Meat Lovers Pizza Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Combine the best of pizza and pasta in this hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Spaghetti Bake. This dish is perfect for those who love a variety of meats and plenty of cheese, all in one delicious casserole.

This Meat Lovers Pizza Spaghetti Bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that merges the flavors of a classic meat lovers pizza with the heartiness of a baked spaghetti casserole. With sausage, bacon, and pepperoni, combined with three types of cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Ideal for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or any gathering, this bake is easy to prepare and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients

1 (16 oz.) package spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
1 pound ground sausage, cooked and crumbled, divided
10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided
4 oz. pepperoni, divided
1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Cook Meats: In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage until fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease. Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it into pieces. Set both aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Mix Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and minced garlic. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, half of the cooked sausage, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the pepperoni slices. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Add Cheese and Meats: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Next, add the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Finally, sprinkle the remaining sausage, bacon, and pepperoni over the top.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations

Vegetable Additions: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Sauce Substitute: Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup if preferred.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a spicy version.
Pasta Alternatives: Use different types of pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini if you prefer.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Version:

Pasta Substitute: Use shirataki noodles, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash instead of spaghetti.
Soup Substitute: Use a homemade cream sauce with heavy cream, butter, and chicken broth to replace the cream of chicken soup.
Sugar-Free Sauce: Use a sugar-free tomato sauce to keep it low-carb.

Low-Carb Version:

Pasta Substitute: Use whole wheat spaghetti or a lower-carb pasta option.
Cheese Substitute: Ensure the cheese used is low in carbs or opt for a mixture of cheeses with lower carb content.

Meat Lovers Pizza Spaghetti Bake is a delicious fusion of two favorite comfort foods: pizza and pasta. This hearty, cheesy casserole is packed with meats and is perfect for satisfying a hungry crowd. Easy to make and versatile, this dish can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this bake is sure to be a hit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Allow the bake to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.