Total Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
If you love pizza night and pasta night equally, this TikTok Pepperoni Pizza Spaghetti Bake is about to become your new obsession. This viral sensation combines everything we crave in comfort food: twirls of tender spaghetti, rich tomato sauce, layers of gooey mozzarella, and crispy-edged pepperoni baked to perfection. It’s bubbly, golden, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying.
The magic of this dish is how it transforms simple pantry staples into something that feels indulgent and fun. Imagine cutting into a casserole dish and pulling out a forkful of spaghetti wrapped in melted cheese, with little pockets of savory marinara and spicy pepperoni in every bite. The aroma alone — garlic, oregano, bubbling cheese — makes your kitchen smell like your favorite neighborhood pizzeria.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, game nights, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week. Kids love it, adults devour it, and leftovers reheat beautifully. At approximately 550–650 calories per serving, it’s hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to satisfy serious cravings.
Pepperoni Pizza Spaghetti Bake Ingredients
This viral pasta bake uses classic pizza ingredients layered with perfectly cooked spaghetti to create that iconic cheesy pull.
Spaghetti (12 oz) – The pasta base that holds everything together and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon) – Prevents sticking and adds subtle richness.
Ground Italian Sausage (½ pound, optional) – Adds extra savory depth and heartiness.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Builds aromatic flavor throughout the sauce.
Onion (1 small, diced) – Adds sweetness and body to the tomato base.
Marinara Sauce (3 cups) – The foundation of pizza flavor. Choose a robust, herb-forward variety.
Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons) – Intensifies the tomato richness and thickens the sauce.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon) – Brings classic oregano and basil notes.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional) – Adds gentle heat.
Salt (1 teaspoon, or to taste) – Enhances all the flavors.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon) – Adds balance and mild spice.
Ricotta Cheese (1 cup) – Creates creamy layers between the spaghetti.
Shredded Mozzarella (3 cups, divided) – The star ingredient for that stretchy, golden top.
Grated Parmesan (½ cup) – Adds sharp, salty depth.
Pepperoni Slices (1½ cups) – Crisps beautifully on top and infuses the dish with bold, smoky flavor.
Fresh Basil (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Brightens and balances the richness.
Butter (1 tablespoon, for greasing dish) – Prevents sticking and enhances flavor.
How to Make TikTok Pepperoni Pizza Spaghetti Bake
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion in olive oil for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
If using sausage, brown it in the skillet until fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 8–10 minutes to deepen flavor. The sauce should be thick and rich.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by dollops of ricotta and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Spoon over more sauce.
Repeat with remaining spaghetti, sauce, and cheeses.
Finish by arranging pepperoni slices evenly across the top. Add the remaining mozzarella for that iconic pizza-style finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. For crispy, golden edges, broil on high for 2–3 minutes at the end — watch carefully to avoid burning.
The top should be golden with slightly curled pepperoni edges and bubbly cheese pockets.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Pepperoni Pizza Spaghetti Bake shines as a centerpiece dish. For a family-style dinner, serve it directly from the baking dish at the table. The dramatic cheese pull when scooping out portions is half the fun. Pair it with garlic bread brushed with butter and parsley, plus a crisp Caesar salad for contrast. The freshness of romaine and lemony dressing balances the richness of the pasta beautifully.
For parties or game nights, cut the bake into neat squares and serve on small plates for easy handling. Add extra toppings on the side like sliced black olives, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even jalapeños for guests who want to customize their slice. You can also create a pizza-themed dinner spread with breadsticks, marinara dipping sauce, and sparkling beverages.
If serving for kids, portion into bowls and sprinkle extra mozzarella on top while warm so it melts into an extra-cheesy layer. For adults, finish with chili flakes and freshly grated Parmesan for added complexity.
For a fun twist, bake the mixture in individual ramekins for personal pizza pasta bowls — perfect for entertaining or date nights at home.
Storage + Meal Prep
This pasta bake stores exceptionally well, making it ideal for leftovers and weekly meal prep. Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering tightly with foil or transferring portions into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place a portion in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to maintain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. Add a small splash of water or sauce if needed to keep it from drying out.
This dish also freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that fresh basil should always be added after reheating for best flavor and color.
For meal prep, divide into individual containers and pair with steamed vegetables or salad. It makes a satisfying grab-and-go lunch that tastes just as comforting the next day.
Conclusion
TikTok Pepperoni Pizza Spaghetti Bake isn’t just another viral trend — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It captures everything we love about pizza and pasta in one cheesy, bubbling dish. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting friends, or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers bold flavor and satisfying comfort in every bite. Try experimenting with different toppings or cheeses to make it your own. Once you pull that first cheesy forkful from the pan, you’ll understand exactly why this recipe went viral.
