Cheesy Pizza Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this mouthwatering Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake! This delightful twist on traditional spaghetti combines all the delectable flavors of a loaded pizza into a hearty and cheesy casserole that will have your taste buds singing. It’s a dish that brings together the best of both worlds, creating a family-friendly meal that’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.

The magic begins with a bubbling mix of spaghetti noodles, savory ground beef, crispy bacon crumbles, zesty pepperoni, and a medley of veggies, all smothered in a blanket of gooey mozzarella cheese. The fusion of pizza and pasta flavors in this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight family dinners. The best part? This loaded pizza spaghetti bake is incredibly easy to make using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving a comforting meal, this Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. With its melty cheese, rich sauces, and an array of delicious toppings, this casserole is a celebration of flavor and fun that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Don’t wait any longer – whip up this irresistible dish and watch it disappear in no time!

Quick Benefits

• Perfect fusion of pizza and pasta flavors in a hearty, cheesy casserole
• Versatile: customize with preferred meat options like Italian sausage or ground turkey
• Make-ahead convenience: refrigerate assembled dish and bake before serving for fresh, melt-in-your-mouth goodness
• Freezer-friendly: store leftovers for up to 2 months, reheating to enjoy a delicious meal anytime

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pizza Spaghetti Bake Recipe Recipe

• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: This recipe combines the best of both worlds—pizza and pasta—in a bubbling, cheesy casserole that is sure to become a family favorite.
• Hearty and Flavorful: Loaded with ground beef, bacon, pepperoni, and a variety of veggies, this dish is packed with flavor and texture to satisfy your cravings.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily swap ingredients like Italian sausage, ground turkey, or plant-based alternatives to suit your dietary preferences without compromising on taste.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends, this dish is a showstopper that will impress everyone.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Assemble the casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready for a fresh and delicious meal. You can even freeze portions for up to 2 months for quick and easy dinners.

Ingredients for Cheesy Pizza Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Pasta

• 225 grams spaghetti noodles

Protein

• 180 grams cooked bacon crumbles
• 15 slices pepperoni
• 450 grams ground beef

Cheese

• 200 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded

Vegetables

• 30 grams black olives, sliced
• 30 grams mushrooms, sliced
• 70 grams red onion, diced

Sauces

• 400 grams pizza sauce
• 680 grams pasta sauce

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Pro Tips for Cheesy Pizza Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To enhance the flavors of the dish, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for an extra savory punch. The Parmesan will complement the mozzarella and bring a nutty richness to each bite.

Pro Tip 2: If you want to add a bit of freshness and acidity to the dish, try drizzling some balsamic glaze over the top just before serving. The sweet and tangy balsamic will cut through the richness of the cheese and meats, balancing out the flavors for a more well-rounded taste.

Pro Tip 3: Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to switch up the texture and presentation of the dish. Fusilli, rotini, or even large shells can all work well in this recipe, adding a fun twist to the classic spaghetti bake.

How to Make Cheesy Pizza Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown Meat & Vegetables

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef, diced red onion, and sliced mushrooms until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Season Mixture

Mix Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt into the cooked beef and vegetable mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate Sauces & Bacon

Add pepperoni slices, most of the bacon crumbles, pizza sauce, and pasta sauce to the skillet. Mix well and simmer gently.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Combine the drained spaghetti with the sauce and toppings in the skillet, tossing until evenly coated.

Step 6: Assemble and Top

Evenly distribute shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta. Layer with the remaining bacon, diced onion, sliced black olives, sliced mushrooms, and remaining pepperoni slices.

Step 7: Bake

Place the skillet or pasta mixture into a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 175°C for 10 minutes.

Step 8: Broil and Serve

Broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown. Serve warm.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake, any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to tightly cover the casserole before refrigerating. To reheat, simply use the microwave or oven, keeping it covered to maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in airtight containers and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. It’s helpful to slice the casserole into portions before freezing for quicker serving later.

If you want to customize the dish, you can try using Italian sausage, ground turkey, or plant-based alternatives to suit different taste preferences. Additionally, you can add extra toppings like bell peppers, jalapeños, ham, or more cheese for a personalized touch. To enhance the presentation, consider topping the casserole with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley before serving, providing a pop of color and freshness. Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake is a versatile and delicious meal that can be enjoyed as a family dinner or served at gatherings, making it a timeless favorite for many occasions.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to switch up the protein in this loaded pizza spaghetti bake, consider using Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a different flavor profile. These substitutions can cater to various dietary preferences and still deliver a delicious and satisfying dish.

For a vegetarian version of this recipe, you can double the amount of mushrooms for added texture and flavor. Additionally, incorporating drained lentils can provide a protein boost and mimic the hearty texture of ground beef. To make the dish lactose-free, opt for a lactose-free cheese that melts well to maintain the gooey, cheesy element of the casserole.

Feel free to personalize this pizza spaghetti bake by adding extra toppings like bell peppers, jalapeños, ham, or more cheese to suit your taste preferences. These additions can enhance the flavor profile and create a customized dish that caters to your family’s favorite pizza toppings. Experimenting with different ingredients can make this casserole a versatile and exciting meal for gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, set up a make-your-own loaded pizza spaghetti bake bar at your next gathering. Prepare all the toppings and sauces in separate bowls, along with cooked spaghetti noodles and shredded mozzarella cheese. Let your guests customize their own individual portions before baking them in ramekins for a personalized touch. This allows everyone to tailor their dish to their liking, whether they prefer extra pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives.

To elevate the presentation, consider serving the loaded pizza spaghetti bake in individual mini cast iron skillets. Not only does this add a rustic charm to the dish, but it also keeps the casserole warm throughout the meal. Top each skillet with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness to the cheesy, comforting bake.

FAQs for Cheesy Pizza Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Yes, traditional spaghetti noodles work well, but you can also use penne or rigatoni for a different texture.

Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?

Absolutely! Italian sausage, ground turkey, or plant-based alternatives can be used to suit your taste preferences.

How do I achieve a golden bubbly finish on the cheese?

Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted, then broil for a couple of minutes to achieve the desired golden bubbly finish.

Can I customize the toppings in this recipe?

Yes, feel free to add bell peppers, jalapeños, ham, or extra cheese to customize the dish according to your preferences.

Conclusion

Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake truly captures the essence of comfort food with its cheesy goodness and familiar pizza flavors baked into a delightful casserole. This dish has quickly become a family favorite in my home, and I hope it brings as much joy and satisfaction to your table as it does to mine. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations, making it a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or looking for a cozy weeknight meal, Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake is sure to impress your loved ones with its delicious blend of pasta and pizza goodness. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let its hearty and satisfying flavors become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy the process of creating this comforting dish, and savor every bite of the cheesy, saucy goodness that defines Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake.