If you are looking for a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious meal to share with family and friends, then the Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish takes all the best flavors of pizza—melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, crispy bacon, and robust tomato sauces—and marries them with perfectly cooked spaghetti to create a one-pan bake that’s bursting with flavor and texture. It’s quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to become a new favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, yet essential ingredients is the secret to making a Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake Recipe come alive on your plate. Each component plays a unique role, from adding cheesy richness to providing vibrant color and that classic pizza taste combined with the hearty feel of spaghetti.
- Spaghetti noodles: The backbone of the dish, these tender strands soak up the savory sauce perfectly.
- Ground beef: Adds a hearty and meaty base that pairs wonderfully with other toppings.
- Cooked bacon crumbles: Bring smoky crunch and depth in every bite.
- Pepperoni slices: Classic pizza flavor that introduces a little spicy and greasy goodness.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts seamlessly creating that irresistible gooeyness.
- Red onion, diced: Adds a subtle sharpness and texture contrast.
- Mushrooms, sliced: Earthy notes that balance the richness beautifully.
- Black olives, sliced: For a briny pop that enhances complexity.
- Pizza sauce: The bold, seasoned tomato base that ties all pizza flavors together.
- Pasta sauce: Adds volume and extra sauciness for coating the spaghetti perfectly.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that injects traditional Italian flavor.
- Onion powder: Builds savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic powder: For a warm, aromatic lift that pizza lovers adore.
- Seasoned salt: Rounds out the seasoning with a balanced punch of flavor.
How to Make Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Start by preparing your spaghetti noodles in well-salted boiling water. Cook them until al dente so they have that perfect bite and can hold onto the sauce without becoming mushy. Drain and set aside to keep ready for combining later.
Step 2: Brown Meat & Vegetables
Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef along with diced red onions and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the beef is thoroughly browned and the veggies have softened, then drain any excess fat for a cleaner, less greasy bake.
Step 3: Season Mixture
Incorporate Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt into your skillet mix. These spices elevate the ground beef and vegetables with savory and aromatic notes that are essential to this dish’s delicious profile.
Step 4: Incorporate Sauces & Bacon
Next, add several slices of pepperoni and most of your cooked bacon crumbles to the skillet. Stir in both pizza sauce and pasta sauce, then let everything simmer gently so the flavors blend and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to evenly coat every strand in that rich, flavorful sauce, along with the meat and vegetable mixture. This step ensures harmony between pasta and sauce.
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the saucy pasta, then add the remaining bacon, diced onions, black olives, mushrooms, and pepperoni slices on top. This layering builds that iconic loaded pizza texture and look.
Step 7: Bake and Broil
Transfer everything to a baking dish and bake in a preheated 175°C oven for 10 minutes. Then broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling, melted, and golden brown on top—making the finish irresistibly crispy and cheesy.
How to Serve Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped basil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes add a bright, fresh contrast to the richness of this dish. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving can also elevate the mouthfeel and aroma beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or crunchy garlic bread. Both sides bring refreshing textures that complement the warming, cheesy bake perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style straight from the baking dish for cozy gatherings, or portion it into individual ramekins for a fun presentation. You can even add a dollop of ricotta or a sprinkle of parmesan on top for extra decadence just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days and maintain much of their flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked spaghetti in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve the taste and structure.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 175°C for about 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Microwaving works too, but baking helps restore that crispy cheese topping and prevents sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is the traditional choice here, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli to give the bake a different texture and look. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. To adapt this Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake Recipe for vegetarians, simply omit the ground beef, bacon, and pepperoni, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty, meatless version.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe leans towards mild with classic pizza flavors. You can add crushed red pepper flakes or a hot sauce drizzle if you like things with a little more kick.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can fully assemble the dish without baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then simply bake and broil just before serving for fresh results.
What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is perfect for that gooey stretch and mild flavor, but feel free to mix in some provolone or parmesan for extra depth if you wish.
Final Thoughts
I hope this wonderful Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake Recipe inspires you to bring a little extra comfort and joy to your table. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that combines the best qualities of pizza and pasta in one satisfying dish. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner.
Print
Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Description
This Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake is a delicious fusion dish combining classic pizza flavors with hearty spaghetti pasta. Ground beef, bacon, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese unite with seasoned sauces and vegetables to create a comforting, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 225 grams spaghetti noodles
Meat and Toppings
- 450 grams ground beef
- 180 grams cooked bacon crumbles
- 15 slices pepperoni
Vegetables
- 70 grams red onion, diced
- 30 grams mushrooms, sliced
- 30 grams black olives, sliced
Cheese
- 200 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
Sauces and Seasonings
- 400 grams pizza sauce
- 680 grams pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the spaghetti noodles in boiling salted water following the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to use later.
- Brown Meat & Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, diced red onion, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Remove any excess fat from the skillet.
- Season Mixture: Stir in the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly into the browned beef and vegetable mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Incorporate Sauces & Bacon: Add several slices of pepperoni, most of the cooked bacon crumbles, pizza sauce, and pasta sauce to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly and let the mixture simmer gently to blend the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti noodles to the skillet and toss carefully to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce, meat, and toppings.
- Assemble and Top: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Then top with the remaining bacon crumbles, diced red onion, sliced black olives, sliced mushrooms, and remaining pepperoni slices for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet contents or pour the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to melt the cheese and heat through.
- Broil and Serve: Broil the baked pasta for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Serve the dish warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
- Use a skillet that is oven-safe if baking and broiling directly in it.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoni and bacon to your taste preference.
- You can substitute mozzarella with a blend of Italian cheeses for more depth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
