Oh my goodness, are you ready to dive into a world where two of your favorite comfort foods collide? I’m talking about the glorious union of spaghetti and pizza in my Meat Lovers Pizza Spaghetti dish! It’s the kind of recipe that makes your heart sing and your taste buds dance. Whenever I make this, I’m reminded of those cozy family gatherings where the aroma of mouthwatering food brings everyone together. Plus, who doesn’t love a little cheesy goodness topped with all the meaty delights?
This dish is perfect for everything from a casual weeknight dinner to a fun gathering with your friends. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! So put on some fun music, gather your loved ones, and let’s get cooking!
What’s in Meat Lovers Pizza Spaghetti?
Let’s break down what makes this dish so incredibly delicious:
Spaghetti: The backbone of this recipe! I use 8 ounces of spaghetti because it’s just the right amount to soak up all that luscious sauce while still holding its shape.
Ground Beef: A full pound of this juicy beef brings that hearty flavor. I always go for a lean mix to avoid excess grease—nobody wants a greasy mess!
Italian Sausage: Another pound of this savory goodness truly makes the meat lovers part of this dish shine. The spices in the sausage add a depth of flavor that’s out of this world.
Pepperoni Slices: Who can resist pepperoni? It’s iconic! I throw in a cup of pepperoni slices because they add that classic pizza flair.
Bacon: You heard that right! Half a cup of crispy, crumbled bacon makes everything better. Seriously, it’s a game-changer in flavor.
Marinara Sauce: You can’t have spaghetti without sauce! I use 2 cups of marinara sauce, and I always opt for a brand that uses whole tomatoes—it’s just that good.
Mozzarella Cheese: Three cups of gooey mozzarella means serious cheesiness! It’s what makes the top layer beautifully melty and gooey.
Parmesan Cheese: A cup of grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the mozzarella.
Italian Seasoning: Just a teaspoon of this blend provides that herbaceous kick.
Salt and Pepper: A dash of each to elevate the flavors!
Fresh Basil: For garnish, if you’re feeling fancy! It adds a fresh kick that brings everything together.
Is Meat Lovers Pizza Spaghetti Good for You?
Now, let’s chat a little about health! I mean, this dish is a treat, but it’s always good to know what we’re munching on.
Spaghetti: Rich in carbohydrates, it provides the energy you need for all that dancing after dinner (or lounging on the couch, your call!).
Ground Beef and Italian Sausage: These are great sources of protein, which is fab for muscle repair, but don’t forget they can also be higher in saturated fats.
Bacon: While delicious, bacon is also indulgent, so maybe save this dish for a special occasion or a fun cheat meal!
Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: Loaded with calcium, these cheeses are great for your bones, but again, they can be a bit heavy on the calories. Everything in moderation, right?
This delicious casserole is loaded with flavor but do bear in mind its richness. Enjoy it as a treat with a side salad to balance things out!
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces spaghetti
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 cup pepperoni slices
– 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
*Serves: 8*
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Spaghetti?
Alright, let’s get down to the cooking magic!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want that oven nice and toasty to melt all the cheese perfectly.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat if needed—no one wants a puddle of grease in their delicious casserole!
4. Mix in the cooked bacon, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
5. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce mixture until every delightful noodle is well coated.
6. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni slices over the spaghetti.
7. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top, then sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and your remaining pepperoni. Yes, please!
8. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is all bubbly and golden.
9. Once you pull it out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This way, you won’t burn your tongue! Before serving, garnish with fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy.
Pizza-Lover’s Tips and Tweaks
This dish is totally flexible! Here are a few ways to make it your own:
– Want to mix it up? Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite pizza ingredients—think bell peppers, olives, or even mushrooms if you’re feeling adventurous!
– If you want to lighten it up a bit, you could sub in ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage.
– Leftovers (if you have any!) make for a delicious lunch the next day! Just pop it in the microwave and enjoy that cheesy goodness all over again.
Trust me, once you try this Meat Lovers Pizza Spaghetti, you’re going to want to make it again and again. I can’t wait for you to dig in and enjoy the flavors as much as I do! If you give this a try, please let me know how it turned out! Happy cooking! 🍝
