Pizza Bake
A hearty and cheesy pizza bake combining spaghetti, ground beef, vegetables, and pepperoni, layered with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers bold flavors and comforting textures in a single casserole dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti for 9 minutes; drain.
- Add milk and beaten eggs to the spaghetti; mix well.
- Put the mixture into a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Brown ground beef until crumbly; drain and place on top of spaghetti.
- Pour pizza sauce over the ground beef.
- Layer sliced onions, diced green peppers, sliced mushrooms, and sliced pepperoni on top.
- Sprinkle with shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using different types of pasta like penne or rotini instead of spaghetti. You can substitute ground turkey for the beef to make it lighter, or use a mix of vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. This dish can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pizza bake with a side salad for a complete meal, or pair it with garlic bread for a comforting dinner. It also goes well with a light Italian wine or sparkling water. For an easy dessert, consider making a fruit salad or serving ice cream to finish off the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pizza bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal; just be sure to cover it to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Bake contains roughly 1135 calories, with 42g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (85% of the Daily Value), calcium (64% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1156mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pizza bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza bake ahead of time. Assemble the dish as instructed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze the pizza bake?
Absolutely! To freeze, prepare the pizza bake and cool it completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, or bake from frozen, increasing the cooking time.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version. If you have leftover meats like sausage or ham, those can also work well in this recipe as a delicious addition.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).