Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake

There are days when you don’t want to think too hard about dinner—you just want something warm, filling, and guaranteed to make everyone happy. That’s where Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake comes in. This dish feels familiar the moment you smell it baking: rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, savory toppings, and perfectly cooked spaghetti all coming together in one pan.

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between making pizza or pasta, you don’t have to choose anymore. With this recipe, you get the best of both worlds in a way that’s practical, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or planning meals for the week, this Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake checks every box.


What Is Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake?

At its core, Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake is a baked pasta casserole that combines classic spaghetti with bold pizza flavors. Instead of serving pasta and sauce on a plate, you mix everything together, layer it with cheese and toppings, and bake it until bubbly and golden.

What makes it “loaded” is the generous use of pizza-inspired ingredients. Think pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, olives, onions, mushrooms, and plenty of cheese. You can keep it simple or go all out—it’s completely up to you.

This dish is especially popular because:

  • It’s easy to prepare ahead of time
  • It feeds a crowd without stress
  • It’s endlessly adaptable to tastes and diets

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake

This isn’t just another pasta recipe—it’s one you’ll come back to again and again.

Comfort Food You Can Count On

You get hearty pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a reward at the end of a long day.

Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved

Pizza flavors are familiar and comforting, which makes this bake a hit with picky eaters. You can even let kids help choose the toppings.

Perfect for Busy Schedules

You can assemble everything ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake when you’re ready. Leftovers reheat beautifully.

Budget-Conscious

Most ingredients are affordable pantry staples, making this a great option when you want something filling without overspending.


Ingredients for Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake

One of the biggest advantages of this dish is flexibility. You can use what you already have and adjust quantities based on preference.

Main Ingredients Table

IngredientAmountNotes & Substitutions
Spaghetti12 ozCooked al dente
Ground beef or Italian sausage1 lbTurkey or chicken works well
Pizza sauce2 cupsMarinara is a good substitute
Mozzarella cheese2 cupsWhole-milk melts best
Pepperoni1 cupSliced or halved
Bell peppers½ cupAny color
Black olives½ cupOptional
Onion½ cupDiced
Italian seasoning1 tspEnhances flavor
Parmesan cheese½ cupOptional topping

How to Make Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake (Step-by-Step)

This recipe is simple and forgiving, making it ideal even if you’re not an experienced cook.

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
  • Cook spaghetti until just al dente
  • Drain and set aside

Cooking the pasta slightly firm prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat

  • Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet
  • Drain excess fat
  • Season lightly with Italian seasoning

This step adds depth and richness to the bake.

Step 3: Combine Everything

  • In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti with pizza sauce and meat
  • Stir until evenly coated

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

  • Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish
  • Layer mozzarella cheese on top
  • Add pepperoni and other toppings
  • Sprinkle Parmesan if using

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes
  • Remove when cheese is melted and lightly browned

Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving so it holds together nicely.


Best Toppings for Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake

The toppings are where you can truly make this dish your own.

Popular Choices

  • Pepperoni
  • Cooked sausage
  • Mushrooms
  • Red onions
  • Bell peppers
  • Black olives

Fun Add-Ons

  • Jalapeños for heat
  • Pineapple for sweet contrast
  • Extra cheese blends like provolone or cheddar

The beauty of Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake is that you can adapt it to whatever your family enjoys most.


Tips for the Best Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake

A few small details can make a big difference.

  • Don’t overcook the pasta before baking
  • Use quality cheese for better melt and flavor
  • Layer toppings evenly so every bite tastes balanced
  • Cover loosely with foil if the cheese browns too quickly

These tips help ensure consistent results every time.


Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

This recipe is perfect if you like to plan ahead.

Make-Ahead Instructions

  • Assemble the bake up to 24 hours in advance
  • Cover and refrigerate
  • Bake when ready

Storing Leftovers

  • Store in an airtight container
  • Refrigerate for up to 4 days

Freezing Instructions

  • Freeze unbaked or baked
  • Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn
  • Freeze for up to 3 months

Reheat covered in the oven for best texture.


What to Serve with Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake

While this dish can stand on its own, pairing it with simple sides makes it even better.

Great Side Options

  • Garlic bread or breadsticks
  • Fresh green salad
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Steamed broccoli

These sides balance the richness of the bake without overpowering it.


Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake Variations

If you like variety, you’ll appreciate how adaptable this recipe is.

  1. Vegetarian Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake
    Skip the meat and load up on vegetables.
  2. Chicken Pizza Spaghetti Bake
    Use cooked shredded chicken for a lighter option.
  3. Spicy Pizza Spaghetti Bake
    Add crushed red pepper or spicy sausage.
  4. Extra Cheesy Version
    Mix ricotta or cream cheese into the pasta for added creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake

Can you make Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and bake it when needed.

Can Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake be frozen?

Absolutely. It freezes well and reheats without losing flavor.

What cheese works best for Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake?

Mozzarella is the classic choice, but blends work well too.

Can you make Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake without meat?

Yes, vegetables or plant-based alternatives are excellent substitutes.


Conclusion: Why Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake Belongs in Your Recipe Collection

Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake isn’t just another dinner—it’s a reliable solution when you want something comforting, flexible, and crowd-pleasing. You get familiar pizza flavors combined with hearty pasta in a form that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.

Once you try it, you’ll likely find yourself making it again and again, adjusting toppings and flavors to suit your mood. It’s the kind of recipe that grows with you and becomes part of your regular rotation.


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Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake

Recipe by Nanny's RecipesCourse: Dinner DelightsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

30

minutes

Ingredients

  • Pasta Base
  • 225 grams spaghetti noodles

  • Proteins
  • 450 grams ground beef

  • 1.5 cups cooked bacon crumbles

  • 15 slices pepperoni

  • Vegetables
  • 1/2 red onion, diced

  • 1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced

  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced

  • 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced

  • Sauces
  • 400 grams pizza sauce

  • 680 grams pasta sauce

  • Cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

  • Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt

Directions

  • Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
    Cook spaghetti until just al dente
    Drain and set aside
    Cooking the pasta slightly firm prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Meat
    Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet
    Drain excess fat
    Season lightly with Italian seasoning
    This step adds depth and richness to the bake.
  • Step 3: Combine Everything
    In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti with pizza sauce and meat
    Stir until evenly coated
  • Step 4: Assemble the Bake
    Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish
    Layer mozzarella cheese on top
    Add pepperoni and other toppings
    Sprinkle Parmesan if using
  • Step 5: Bake
    Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes
    Remove when cheese is melted and lightly browned
    Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving so it holds together nicely.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Tips for the Best Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake
    A few small details can make a big difference.
    Don’t overcook the pasta before baking
    Use quality cheese for better melt and flavor
    Layer toppings evenly so every bite tastes balanced
    Cover loosely with foil if the cheese browns too quickly
    These tips help ensure consistent results every time.