If you’ve ever found yourself stuck between ordering pizza or making a comforting pasta dinner, this recipe is the best of both worlds. This Pepperoni Spaghetti Pizza Bake combines saucy baked spaghetti with all the flavors you love from a cheesy pepperoni pizza. It’s rich, creamy, loaded with gooey cheese, and topped with crispy pepperoni that gets perfectly golden in the oven.

This recipe came together when I wanted something different than traditional baked spaghetti. I had a box of spaghetti, some ground beef, and a craving for pizza. Instead of using a basic marinara sauce, I created a creamy pizza-inspired sauce made with tomato paste, pizza sauce, and heavy cream. The result is a cozy casserole that’s become one of my favorite comfort meals.

Whether you’re feeding your family, bringing dinner to a potluck, or looking for leftovers that taste just as good the next day, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes like a cheesy pepperoni pizza in pasta form
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Family-friendly and kid-approved
• Easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings
• Ready in about an hour

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Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Colander
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing spoon or silicone spatula

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Ingredients

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves minced garlic (about 1 tbsp)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 (4 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (14–15 oz) jar pizza sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup water
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella & provolone blend
• ½ cup grated Parmesan

Topping

• 30 – 40 pepperoni slices
• Extra Italian seasoning for sprinkling (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Since it will continue cooking in the oven, slightly undercooking the pasta helps prevent it from becoming mushy.

Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 7 – 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Add the butter and garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Pizza Sauce

Add the tomato paste directly to the skillet and cook it for 2 – 3 minutes while stirring. This caramelizes the tomato paste and creates a richer tomato flavor.

Stir in:

• Pizza sauce
• Heavy cream
• Water

Mix until smooth. Add the Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.

Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. The sauce should be creamy, smooth, and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low.

Stir in:

• 1½ cups mozzarella and provolone blend
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted into the sauce. This creates a silky, cheesy pizza sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Using tongs, if you have them, gently toss everything together until all of the noodles are evenly coated.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the spaghetti mixture into the pan.

Top with:

• Remaining mozzarella and provolone cheese (1½ cups)
• Remaining Parmesan cheese (¼ cup)

Arrange the pepperoni slices over the entire top. If you’d like, sprinkle on a little extra Italian seasoning for even more pizza flavor.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes.

Turn on the broiler for the final 2 – 3 minutes to crisp the pepperoni and brown the cheese.

Watch carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn.

Let It Rest

Allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes before serving.

This helps the cheese set slightly and makes serving much easier.

Optional Garlic Butter Finish

For an extra restaurant-style touch, melt together:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Lightly drizzle or brush it over the top of the casserole after it comes out of the oven. Finish with another sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It adds a delicious garlic bread flavor that pairs perfectly with the pizza-inspired sauce.

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Tips for the Best Pizza Spaghetti Bake

• Cook your pasta slightly under al dente so it doesn’t overcook while baking.
• Caramelizing the tomato paste makes a huge difference in flavor.
• Freshly shred your cheese if possible; it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
• Let the casserole rest before cutting into it for cleaner slices.
• Broiling at the end gives the pepperoni crispy edges just like your favorite pizza.

Delicious Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.

Try adding:

• Cooked Italian sausage
• Bacon
• Mushrooms
• Black olives
• Diced ham
• Fresh basil
• Banana peppers
• Crumbled cooked bacon
• Jalapeños for some heat

You can even make it into a supreme pizza version by adding your favorite toppings before baking.

What to Serve with Pizza Spaghetti Bake

This casserole pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Italian chopped salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Green beans
• Breadsticks
• Garlic knots

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish is best served fresh. If it dries out / absorbs the sauce while in the refrigerator, you can heat it up with some pasta sauce, mix together and enjoy.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, rigatoni, cavatappi, or ziti all work wonderfully.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, although the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy.

Can I make it spicy?

Definitely. Add extra crushed red pepper flakes, spicy pepperoni, or diced jalapeños.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pepperoni Pizza Spaghetti Bake is everything I love about comfort food. It has the cheesy goodness of pizza, the heartiness of baked pasta, and a creamy sauce that ties it all together. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to serve when friends or family come over.

If you’re looking for a fun twist on classic baked spaghetti, give this recipe a try. I have a feeling it’ll earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation!

Happy cooking!