There’s something incredibly satisfying about combining the hearty flavors of a pizza with the comforting texture of baked pasta. This Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake brings that perfect marriage of classic Italian-American favorites into one dish, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Imagine tender spaghetti noodles enveloped in a rich blend of pizza and pasta sauces, layered with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and spicy pepperoni, all topped with bubbling mozzarella cheese. This dish turns the cozy charm of pizza night into a deliciously easy casserole.
- Combines beloved pizza flavors with a comforting pasta bake for a crowd-pleasing meal.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings for a personalized twist.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti Noodles: 225 grams of dry spaghetti provides the perfect base, cooking al dente to hold the rich sauce well.
- Ground Beef: 450 grams adds hearty, savory flavor and a satisfying meatiness to the dish.
- Bacon Crumbles: 1.5 cups of cooked bacon bits add crispiness and smoky depth throughout the pasta bake.
- Pepperoni Slices: 15 slices deliver a slightly spicy, tangy punch classic to any pizza-inspired meal.
- Red Onion: Half a diced red onion lends subtle sweetness and mild sharpness to balance the flavors.
- Mushrooms: 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms contribute earthiness and a tender texture.
- Black Olives: 1/4 cup sliced olives give bursts of briny flavor to elevate the overall taste.
- Bell Pepper: 1/4 cup diced bell pepper adds a fresh, crisp crunch and vibrant color.
- Pizza Sauce: 400 grams of robust pizza sauce infuses the dish with traditional herby and tangy tomato notes.
- Pasta Sauce: 680 grams provides a smooth, well-seasoned tomato base to complement the pizza sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups shredded mozzarella melt into gooey, golden perfection on top.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon for classic fragrant herb flavors.
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon boosts savory depth without overpowering.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon adds warm, aromatic complexity.
- Seasoned Salt: 1 teaspoon balances and enhances all flavors in the dish.
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti Noodles
Begin by boiling the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. This ensures the noodles have a firm bite that will hold up under baking and mix well with the sauce. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent sogginess.
- Sauté Ground Beef and Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, diced red onion, sliced mushrooms, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are softened, enhancing natural flavors. Drain any excess fat for a healthier dish without sacrificing taste.
- Season Meat and Veggies
Mix in Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt. These spices infuse the beef and vegetables with classic Italian-inspired flavor, providing depth and balance that complements the pizza and pasta sauces.
- Add Sauces and Proteins
Next, stir in most of the pepperoni slices, the majority of the bacon crumbles, pizza sauce, and pasta sauce. Combining these ingredients melds the pizza and pasta elements to create a rich, flavorful sauce that simmers together, allowing the meats and spices to harmonize fully over 3–5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce
Add the drained spaghetti into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every strand evenly in the sauce mixture. This step ensures each bite carries the signature blend of meaty, saucy goodness without clumps or dry spots.
- Prepare for Baking
Transfer the spaghetti and sauce mixture to a baking dish with even spreading. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top to create a melty, golden crust. Garnish with the remaining bacon, diced onions, black olives, diced bell peppers, and leftover pepperoni slices for added texture and visual appeal.
- Bake and Broil
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt fully. Then switch to broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese and create a bubbling, golden crust, enhancing both aroma and texture.
- Serve Warm
Remove from the oven carefully and let cool slightly before serving. This warms every bite and ensures the cheese is perfectly gooey, making the dish ready to be enjoyed.
- You can easily substitute Italian sausage for ground beef to add a different flavor profile.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings like jalapeños, extra cheese, or fresh basil.
- Ensure the cheese is evenly spread for maximum melt and browning in the final baking step.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven to maintain texture and avoid drying out.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread for added indulgence. A glass of sparkling water or a light red wine complements the savory richness perfectly.
- Drain cooked ground beef well to prevent excess grease in the bake.
- Use a mix of pizza and pasta sauce to balance tanginess and sweetness, enhancing flavor complexity.
- Add heavier toppings on top for texture contrast instead of mixing all inside.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well as they hold sauce nicely and bake evenly.
- How can I make it vegetarian?
Omit meats and add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or artichokes with extra cheese for flavor.
- Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, cool completely then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella is best for melting and stretch, but you can mix in cheddar or Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely, assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the freshest results.
Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 pot for boiling pasta
- 1 colander
- 1 baking dish
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1.5 cups cooked bacon crumbles
- 15 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 1/4 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives sliced
- 1/4 cup bell pepper diced
- 14 oz pizza sauce
- 24 oz pasta sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
- Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté ground beef with diced red onion, sliced mushrooms, and diced bell pepper until beef is browned and vegetables are soft. Drain excess fat.
- Add Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt to the skillet and stir to evenly coat meat and vegetables.
- Stir in pepperoni slices, most of the bacon crumbles, pizza sauce, and pasta sauce. Let simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to combine with sauce, meat, and vegetables.
- Transfer mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Garnish with remaining bacon, diced onion, sliced black olives, diced bell pepper, and remaining pepperoni.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, then broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute Italian sausage for ground beef for flavor variation.
- Add any favorite pizza toppings to customize.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
