Spaghetti Casserole Baked with Pepperoni

Mouthwatering Spaghetti Casserole Baked with Pepperoni: Ready in 30 Minutes

When life gets busy, there’s nothing more comforting than knowing you can still whip up a delicious, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. If you're like me, juggling a busy schedule and craving a flavorful dinner that's both quick and wholesome, you're in for a treat. This Spaghetti Casserole Baked with Pepperoni is a personal favorite of mine – it's an easy recipe packed with cheesy goodness, savory pepperoni, and a healthy twist thanks to the addition of fresh zucchini. Plus, it's a hit with everyone at the table, whether you're cooking for family or friends!

Let's dive into how you can make this delightful dish in no time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Before we get started, let me tell you why I’m obsessed with this recipe. It’s incredibly simple to make, with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The combination of the classic spaghetti with the smoky flavor of pepperoni and melted mozzarella creates a comforting, irresistible dish. And the best part? By incorporating zucchini, you’re sneaking in extra veggies without compromising on taste.

What’s more, the entire dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, which makes it a go-to for hectic weeknights when you need something fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the reasons I love this spaghetti casserole baked with pepperoni is its simplicity. Here's what you'll need to gather:

Spaghetti – Classic pasta that’s the base of the dish, boiled to al dente.

Pepperoni – Sliced pepperoni adds that irresistible salty, savory taste that everyone loves.

Marinara Sauce – I prefer using a robust, tomato-based marinara sauce, but you can always switch it up based on your preference.

Zucchini – This adds a refreshing contrast and sneaks some extra nutrition into the meal.

Mozzarella Cheese – You can never go wrong with gooey, melted cheese on top!

Parmesan Cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to complement the mozzarella.

Olive Oil – Used to sauté the zucchini for a bit of extra richness.

Garlic (optional) – For a bit of kick and depth of flavor.

Italian Seasoning – A blend of dried herbs that will enhance the overall flavor.

Salt & Pepper – To taste, for seasoning both the zucchini and the sauce.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Spaghetti Casserole Baked with Pepperoni

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking while you prepare everything else.

2. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your spaghetti until it's al dente. It should be tender but still firm to the bite since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Prepare the Zucchini

While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a bit of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced or shredded zucchini and sauté it with a bit of garlic for 2-3 minutes, just until it starts to soften. You don't want it to get too mushy since it will continue cooking in the casserole.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Now comes the fun part: layering the ingredients!

In a large casserole dish, start by spreading the cooked spaghetti evenly as the base.

Pour the marinara sauce over the spaghetti, making sure everything is evenly coated.

Spread the sautéed zucchini on top for a fresh, flavorful layer.

Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese and parmesan over the zucchini.

Finally, arrange slices of pepperoni on top, creating that classic, savory finish.

5. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The pepperoni should be slightly crisp, adding a perfect texture contrast.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Once out of the oven, you can garnish the dish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if you like. Serve it hot, and watch it disappear quickly from the table!

Tips for Making the Best Spaghetti Casserole Baked with Pepperoni

Customize the Veggies: Don't limit yourself to zucchini – mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers also work well.

Healthier Options: Try using whole-wheat or gluten-free spaghetti for a healthier take on this dish. You can even substitute turkey pepperoni for a leaner option.

Make it Ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it the night before and pop it into the oven when you're ready to bake.

Amazon Product Recommendations: Elevate Your Cooking Experience

As someone who loves cooking, I always believe in having the right tools and ingredients on hand. Here are two products I highly recommend for this recipe that you can easily grab on Amazon.

1. Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Bakeware Set

One of my go-to kitchen essentials is a reliable bakeware set, and this one from Rachael Ray is a game-changer. Its nonstick surface ensures your casserole won’t stick, and the set includes several versatile sizes perfect for both large family meals and smaller weeknight dinners.

Why I love it: It’s durable, heats evenly, and is super easy to clean. I’ve been using mine for years, and it still looks brand new!

Grab this Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Bakeware Set on Amazon and make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

2. De Cecco Spaghetti Pasta

When it comes to pasta, quality matters. I swear by De Cecco’s spaghetti for its perfect texture and authentic Italian taste. It cooks to the ideal al dente every time, and it’s made from the highest-quality durum wheat semolina.

Why I love it: It holds up beautifully in this baked casserole dish and soaks up the marinara sauce perfectly.

Try De Cecco Spaghetti Pasta today for that authentic Italian touch that makes all the difference.

3. The Complete America’s Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook

If you’re looking for a resource filled with foolproof recipes, this book is a must-have. I’ve found countless great ideas in here for busy nights when I need something reliable and tasty, just like this casserole recipe.

Why I love it: The recipes are tested to perfection, and they offer something for every taste and skill level.

Get your copy of The Complete America’s Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook on Amazon and never worry about what to cook again!

Why Zucchini is a Great Addition

I’ve always loved finding ways to sneak more veggies into my meals, and zucchini is one of my favorites. It’s mild in flavor, which means it blends seamlessly into almost any dish without overpowering the other ingredients. Plus, it adds a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the pasta and the gooey cheese.

But the best part about zucchini? It’s loaded with nutrients! It’s low in calories, high in vitamins like Vitamin C and A, and provides a nice boost of antioxidants. So, you’re not just making a delicious dish, you’re making a healthier one.

Serving Suggestions

To round out your meal, you can serve this spaghetti casserole baked with pepperoni with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread. I personally love roasting some vegetables on the side, like broccoli or carrots, to complement the richness of the casserole. You could also add a glass of red wine if you’re feeling fancy!

And don’t forget about leftovers. This casserole tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep or reheating for a quick lunch.

This spaghetti casserole baked with pepperoni has everything you could want in a dinner: it’s quick, easy, comforting, and full of flavor. The crispy pepperoni, cheesy layers, and nutritious zucchini make this a go-to meal for busy nights or when you’re hosting friends and family.

I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this casserole as much as I do. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to get creative by adding your own personal touches!