Crowd-Pleasing Loaded Pizza Bake Recipe: Cheesy Family Joy

Pizza lovers rejoice!

This ultimate loaded pizza bake blends classic comfort with bold, mouthwatering flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Melted cheese, crispy edges, and a medley of toppings create a hearty meal everyone will devour.

Packed with savory ingredients and baked to golden perfection, this dish brings restaurant-style excitement directly to your dinner table.

Forget complicated recipes—this straightforward approach delivers maximum deliciousness with minimal effort.

Serious flavor awaits you in every single bite.

Get ready to savor a pizza experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 502 kcal

Servings: 9

Everything You’ll Need for Loaded Pizza Bake

• Ground Beef: Adds robust, hearty flavor and meaty texture to the pizza bake, selecting lean cuts ensures less grease.
• Sausage: Brings spicy, rich undertones that complement the beef, opt for mild or hot varieties based on preference.
• Pepperoni: Introduces zesty, crispy elements that elevate the overall pizza experience, choose high-quality slices for maximum taste.

• Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce: Creates a luscious, tangy foundation that binds ingredients together, select premium jarred sauce for depth of flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses classic Mediterranean herbs that transform the dish, freshly crushed herbs provide more intense aromatics.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency, all-purpose works perfectly.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers that irresistible stretch and creamy texture, shredded varieties melt most effectively.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertones that enhance the overall flavor profile, freshly grated provides superior taste.
• Refrigerated Pizza Crust: Offers convenient, quick base that ensures perfect golden texture, look for preservative-free options.
• Olive Oil: Provides golden, crispy finish to the crust, extra virgin varieties bring richer flavor.

Making the Loaded Pizza Bake Without Fuss

• Meat Foundation Preparation

Brown ground beef and sausage in a skillet, creating a rich and savory base for your pizza bake. Drain any extra fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

• Seasoning Magic

Sprinkle Italian herbs into the meat mixture and fold in chopped pepperoni. Dust with a light coating of flour to help thicken the sauce and add depth to the flavor profile.

• Sauce Fusion

Pour tomato basil sauce into the skillet, stirring gently to blend with the meat. Let the mixture simmer and develop its complex taste for a few minutes.

• Layered Comfort

Spread the meat sauce across a baking dish, creating a hearty first layer. Shower the surface with a blanket of mozzarella cheese, setting the stage for a mouthwatering experience.

• Crust Creation

Drape pizza dough over the cheesy landscape, stretching it to cover every inch. Brush with olive oil and dust with additional Italian herbs for an aromatic touch.

• Cheese Crown

Bake until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown. Finish with a final sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a melty, irresistible topping that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Pizza Bake Flavor Boosting Tips

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that's equally delicious and satisfying.
• Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for an extra kick of heat that transforms the dish into a zesty meal with bold flavor profiles.
• Incorporate chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the meat sauce to increase nutritional value and add more texture to the pizza bake.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply remove from the refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed for a convenient make-ahead meal option.

Serve the Pizza Bake Hot and Fresh

• Slice and Serve Fresh: Cut the pizza bake into generous squares, revealing the layers of meaty sauce, melted cheese, and crispy crust. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Pair with Cool Sides: Complement the hot, cheesy dish with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette or some chilled garlic bread to balance the rich flavors and add freshness to the meal.
• Garnish with Herb Flair: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a burst of color and a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
• Make It a Crowd-Pleaser: Serve on a large platter with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping, allowing everyone to customize their slice and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.

Store Your Pizza Bake for Later Enjoyment

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store any leftover pizza bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dish maintains its delicious flavors and texture when properly sealed.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best quality.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350F (175C) oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top to restore its melty goodness.
• Pack Perfect Lunches: Portion cold slices into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. The dish tastes just as delightful at room temperature, making it an ideal work or school lunch option.

Tools That Make Pizza Bake Easy

• Large Skillet: Crucial for browning and cooking ground beef and sausage perfectly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for layering and assembling the entire pizza bake.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing meat mixture.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately adding Italian seasoning.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
• Pastry Brush: Great for evenly spreading olive oil on pizza crust.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping pepperoni if needed.

Cheesy Loaded Pizza Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired loaded pizza bake delivers comfort with layers of savory ingredients and melted cheese. Fresh herbs and crispy edges make this dish irresistible for weekend gatherings or family dinners you will crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (lean)
• 1 lb (454 g) sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 cup (150 g) pepperoni (chopped)
• 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 3 tbsps (15 g) Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 4 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 26-oz (737 g) tomato basil pasta sauce
• 1 13.8-oz (391 g) pizza crust dough (refrigerated)
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cooking for 7-8 minutes. Drain excess grease and mix in Italian seasoning and pepperoni, coating evenly with a light dusting of flour.
2. Sauce Development: Integrate tomato basil pasta sauce into the meat mixture, simmering for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops rich flavors. Remove from heat and transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even foundation.
3. Cheese and Crust Layer: Spread a layer of mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce. Carefully unroll pizza crust dough, stretching to cover the entire dish. Brush the surface with olive oil and sprinkle additional Italian seasoning for enhanced aromatics.
4. Initial Baking Phase: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns golden-brown and crisp. Remove from oven and generously top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Final Melting Stage: Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and develop a bubbly, appetizing surface. Let the pizza bake rest briefly before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

• Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef and sausage for balanced flavor and reduced grease, ensuring a healthier dish.
• Seasoning Strategy: Distribute Italian seasoning evenly throughout the recipe for consistent, robust taste in every bite.
• Crust Handling: Gently stretch refrigerated pizza dough to cover the entire surface without tearing, creating a perfect base layer.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Allow final cheese layer to become golden and bubbly for maximum flavor and appealing presentation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 502
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1125 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg