Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake

This loaded pizza spaghetti nails everything I love in family food—all the fun and flavor of pizza, twisted into a bubbling spaghetti bake that absolutely never leaves a single leftover. My family cannot get enough of this hearty, cheesy casserole and it comes together using such simple ingredients.

I first served this on a movie night when we could not agree between pizza and pasta. It was a total hit and now it is one of our most requested dishes whenever friends or family come over.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti noodles: Choose a sturdy wheat spaghetti for best bite and try to avoid very thin or delicate types
• Ground beef: Provides deep savory flavor and richness swap for Italian sausage for extra flavor if you like
• Italian seasoning: Brings those classic pizzeria notes try to choose a fresh blend for best aroma
• Onion powder: Adds a little sweet warmth opt for fresh if you prefer chopping onions
• Garlic powder: Boosts the savory punch quality garlic powder will give nice depth
• Seasoned salt: Enhances every element pick a low sodium version if you watch your salt
• Pizza sauce: Delivers concentrated tomato and herb flavor look for a thick style not runny
• Pasta sauce: Lends body and sauciness choose a tomato basil or classic marinara
• Red onion: Offers crunch and a slight bite pick a bright purple and firm onion
• Cooked bacon crumbles: Smoky crunch and extra umami freshly cooked bacon gives best flavor
• Pepperoni slices: Classic meaty topping look for slightly thicker slices if you want chewier bites
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that irresistible stretch choose low moisture mozzarella for best browning
• Mushrooms: Earthy depth and juiciness select mushrooms that are dry and smooth
• Black olives: Briny balance and pop of color sliced canned black olives work great

Instructions

Boil the Spaghetti Noodles:

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add salt generously to the water before dropping in the spaghetti noodles. Stir gently during cooking to prevent sticking. Cook until just al dente which keeps noodles sturdy during baking. Drain thoroughly and do not rinse—this helps sauce cling to the noodles.

Brown the Meat and Vegetables:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add the ground beef. Dice the red onion and slice mushrooms and add them to the skillet with the beef. Cook together breaking up the meat until it is fully browned and vegetables soften. Pour off any excess fat from the pan to prevent a greasy sauce.

Season the Mixture:

Sprinkle Italian seasoning onion powder garlic powder and seasoned salt directly over the cooked beef and veggie mixture. Stir to combine so the flavor evenly coats every bite. Let it cook for another minute to bloom the spices.

Simmer with Sauces and Toppings:

Add most of your bacon crumbles a few pepperoni slices the pizza sauce and the pasta sauce right into the meat and veggie base. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. This helps all flavors mingle and thickens slightly.

Combine with Spaghetti Noodles:

Add the drained hot spaghetti noodles to the skillet. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss and coat every strand with the sauce and toppings. Work gently so you keep the noodle shape but make sure they are well mixed.

Layer and Top for Baking:

Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over top covering well. Finish by scattering the remaining bacon crumbles onions black olives bell peppers and pepperoni for colorful topping.

Bake and Broil for Bubbly Cheese:

Place the dish in a preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about ten minutes to melt everything together. Switch to broil for two to three minutes at the end so the cheese turns golden and bubbling. Watch closely so it does not burn.

Rest and Serve:

Let the casserole sit out of the oven for about five minutes so it sets slightly. This makes cutting and serving neat portions much easier. Serve hot and watch smiles instantly appear

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Mozzarella cheese is my absolute favorite touch here because it ties every topping together into one gooey bite. The first time we made this as a birthday meal my youngest declared it was even better than pizza delivery and they have not let me forget it since

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to four days. The casserole reheats perfectly in the microwave or covered in the oven. For longer storage freeze cooled portions in airtight containers and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. I like to slice it into portions before freezing for faster serving later.

Ingredient Substitutions

Italian sausage is a fantastic swap for ground beef and gives a different flavor profile. Use turkey or chicken sausage for something lighter. If you need a vegetarian version double up on the mushrooms and try a can of drained lentils for texture and protein. Lactosefree cheese works too as long as it melts well.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this with a crisp green salad and a basket of garlic bread. It is hearty enough to stand alone but also makes a party spread for potlucks. Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving for brightness and color kids especially love their own mini casseroles baked in ramekins.

Cultural and Historical Context

Pizza spaghetti casserole is a classic American comfort mashup with roots in the casserole boom of the 1970s and 80s. It transforms iconic pizza toppings into a familyfriendly bake. Much like baked ziti this is the food of weeknight reunions and cozy gatherings lending itself to playful swaps and whatever is left in your fridge.

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This dish makes for a showstopping family dinner and an easy crowd-pleaser. Make it once and it will be a favorite for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of pasta works best for this dish?

Traditional spaghetti noodles hold up well against hearty sauces and toppings, but penne or rigatoni work, too.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

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

→ How do I achieve a crisp cheesy topping?

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

→ Are other pizza toppings suitable for this bake?

Absolutely! Add bell peppers, jalapeños, ham, or extra cheese to customize the dish to your liking.

→ Can it be prepared ahead of time?

Assemble in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the freshest, meltiest results.

→ Is it freezer friendly?

Yes, cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat until hot throughout.