Baked Pizza Spaghetti
A hearty baked pizza spaghetti casserole combining savory meat, flavorful tomato paste, melted cheeses, and tender vermicelli—perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and drain well.
- Add chopped onion, tomato paste, water, mushrooms, and oregano to the meat.
- Cook the vermicelli until tender, then drain and toss with melted butter.
- Combine the cooked vermicelli, meat mixture, and shredded Cheddar cheese; stir well until blended.
- Pour the mixture into a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian sausage instead of hamburger, or add crushed red pepper for heat. If you don't have vermicelli, spaghetti or any short pasta works well. To enhance the dish, mix in bell peppers or olives for a Mediterranean twist. Ensure to drain the mushrooms well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Baked Pizza Spaghetti with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Grandma'S Bean Soup for a hearty dinner. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving to brighten the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covering with a damp paper towel to keep moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Pizza Spaghetti contains roughly 1199 calories, with 28g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (187% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 601mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, remove the cover and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
What can I use instead of cheese?
If you prefer a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Alternatively, omit the cheese entirely and enhance the dish with more vegetables or a sprinkle of herbs before serving.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add spice, mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce with the meat mixture. You could also top the casserole with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).