Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake

Loaded Pizza Spaghetti is pure comfort in a casserole dish. All the bold cheesy flavors of your favorite pizza meet classic spaghetti in this one-pan wonder that gets devoured every single time I serve it. Perfect for weeknights or when the kids need a real treat.

The first time I made this I wanted pizza but only had pasta in the pantry and my kids still talk about it like it was a legendary dinner. Now it shows up anytime we need a little fun with our meals.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti noodles: add the core pasta comfort factor look for a firm wheat pasta for bite
• Ground beef: gives hearty richness fresh beef browns well and anchors the sauce
• Italian seasoning: creates the familiar herb flavor and balances the richness use quality dried blends
• Onion powder and garlic powder: provide boosts of savory depth pick a fresh jar for best flavor
• Seasoned salt: keeps the overall taste lively and well rounded
• Pizza sauce: delivers that distinct tangy cheesy pizza essence good tomato flavor is key
• Pasta sauce: stretches the dish and brings a saucy texture choose one with lots of herbs
• Red onion: brings sweet and sharp onion flavor always dice it for a quick cook and mild bite
• Cooked bacon crumbles: add smoky salty notes use crisp bacon for crunch
• Pepperoni slices: lend classic pizza nostalgia any style works but thick cut is a treat
• Mozzarella cheese: is creamy melty and pulls everything together buy block cheese and shred for best melt
• Mushrooms: give savory umami pick firm mushrooms and slice evenly for texture
• Black olives: provide briny boldness buy pitted and slice yourself for freshness

Instructions

Boil the Spaghetti:

Cook the noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water following the package directions until al dente. Stir occasionally so they do not stick. When cooked drain thoroughly and set aside

Brown the Beef and Veggies:

In a large skillet over medium high heat add the ground beef diced red onion sliced mushrooms and any preferred bell pepper. Cook and break up the meat with a wooden spoon until fully browned and the vegetables are tender. If any liquid collects carefully drain off the excess grease

Season Everything:

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning onion powder garlic powder and seasoned salt. Stir the mixture for about one minute allowing the spices to toast slightly and release their flavors

Add Sauces and Toppings:

Pour in the pizza sauce and pasta sauce along with most of the bacon crumbles and a few pepperoni slices. Stir to fully combine and let the mixture simmer gently so the flavors blend together. This step keeps the meat moist too

Combine with Pasta:

Add the drained spaghetti noodles directly to the skillet. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so the pasta is well coated with the saucy beef mixture

Top and Bake:

Transfer everything to a baking dish if needed or keep in an oven safe skillet. Pile on the shredded mozzarella cheese making sure to get even coverage. Scatter on the remaining bacon onion black olives bell pepper and pepperoni pieces over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about ten minutes so the cheese melts

Broil for Finish:

Switch oven to broil and cook for two to three minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and turns golden brown in spots. Watch carefully so it does not burn

Serve and Enjoy:

Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Cut generous portions to serve warm straight from the oven

Pin it

My favorite part is piling on fresh mozzarella and all the toppings right before baking. It reminds me of building pizzas with my siblings in the kitchen on Friday nights. You truly get the best of both worlds here pizza night and pasta night in a single pan

Storage Tips

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating. It will stay good for up to four days. For freezing slice into portions wrap well and freeze for up to two months. To reheat bake or microwave until hot and bubbly and top with a little extra cheese if you want

Ingredient Substitutions

Italian sausage or turkey makes a great swap for the ground beef. Skip bacon if desired and choose more mushrooms or extra pepperoni for a different flavor. Any combination of bell peppers or different pasta shapes can also be used with no trouble

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad and maybe a little garlic bread for a true pizza parlor vibe. Fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top is an easy way to add more color and a brighter flavor

Cultural Twist

This recipe is a blend of classic Italian American comfort food and true crowd pleasing pizza flavors. It reflects the creativity home cooks use to stretch ingredients and reinvent dinner staples There’s always room for more fun and flavor with this dish

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I love how this turns two classic family dinners into one easy meal and that no matter what toppings I pile on it is a guaranteed hit

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?

Yes, Italian sausage is a flavorful substitute for ground beef and enhances the classic pizza taste.

→ What types of pasta work best?

Spaghetti is traditional, but penne, rotini, or rigatoni also work well and hold the sauce nicely.

→ Is it necessary to bake the spaghetti?

Baking helps melt and brown the cheese, but you can skip it if you prefer a quicker stovetop finish.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Add bell peppers, spinach, or extra mushrooms for a veggie-packed twist on this dish.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.