Loaded Pizza Macaroni Bake
Indulge in the ultimate game-day delight with this Loaded Pizza Macaroni Bake! This hearty one-dish meal combines the best elements of a classic pizza and comforting macaroni to create a savory, satisfying treat that's perfect for sharing. With no need for a traditional crust, this dish is packed with lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of tasty toppings. Prepare it ahead of time and bake just before serving for a warm, cheesy experience that will delight your guests. Perfect for Super Bowl parties or any gathering, this dish is easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (Browning in the skillet)
chopped onion
1 cup (Chop finely)
green bell pepper
1/2 (Chop)
red bell pepper
1/2 (Chop)
garlic clove
1-2 (Minced)
sliced fresh mushrooms
8 ounces (Reserve a little for garnish)
elbow macaroni
1 1/4 cups (Dry, no prior preparation needed)
pasta or pizza sauce
1 (14 ounce) jar (Choose your preferred type)
water
1 (14 ounce) jar (Use the empty pasta sauce jar)
sliced black olives
1 (2 1/2 ounce) can (Drained, reserve a little for garnish)
shredded mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (2 cups) (Packaged, no preparation needed)
sliced pepperoni
to taste (Slice as desired)
salt and pepper
to taste (Add as desired)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Loaded Pizza Macaroni Bake?
It is a hearty one-dish meal that combines the flavors of a classic pizza with comforting macaroni, featuring ground beef, vegetables, and plenty of cheese without a traditional crust.
Is this recipe suitable for game day?
Yes, it is specifically described as an ultimate game-day delight and is perfect for Super Bowl parties or any large gathering.
Do I need to boil the macaroni before baking?
No, you use 1 1/4 cups of dry elbow macaroni. The recipe is designed to cook the pasta in the oven with the sauce and water.
What kind of meat is used in this pizza bake?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef, which should be browned in a skillet before assembling the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and bake it just before you are ready to serve it to your guests.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and sliced fresh mushrooms.
What type of sauce should I use?
You can use one 14-ounce jar of either pasta sauce or pizza sauce, depending on your personal preference.
How much water do I need to add?
The recipe suggests filling the empty 14-ounce pasta sauce jar with water to get the correct measurement.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe uses 8 ounces (2 cups) of shredded mozzarella cheese to achieve a classic pizza flavor.
Are there olives in this recipe?
Yes, it includes one 2 1/2 ounce can of sliced black olives, which should be drained before use.
Does the recipe call for pepperoni?
Yes, sliced pepperoni is added to taste to provide that authentic loaded pizza experience.
How many ingredients are in the Loaded Pizza Macaroni Bake?
There are a total of 13 ingredients used in this recipe.
How should I prepare the mushrooms?
The fresh mushrooms should be sliced, and you should reserve a few to use as a garnish on top.
Is there garlic in this dish?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 to 2 cloves of garlic, which should be minced.
Can I use any type of onion?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of finely chopped onion.
Does this recipe have a crust?
No, this is a crustless dish where the macaroni acts as the base for the pizza toppings.
How much mozzarella cheese should I buy?
You will need an 8-ounce package, which yields approximately 2 cups of shredded cheese.
Are both green and red bell peppers necessary?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of each to provide vibrant color and a mix of flavors.
What type of pasta is best?
Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for this specific bake.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as both comfort food and a savory, satisfying treat.
How do I season the bake?
You can add salt and pepper to taste according to your preference.
Is this a difficult recipe to follow?
No, it is described as an easy recipe and a simple one-dish meal.
Should I drain the olives?
Yes, the black olives should be drained, and a small amount can be reserved for garnish.
How much beef do I need?
The recipe requires 1 pound of lean ground beef.
Can I use different types of pizza toppings?
The recipe includes standard pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives, but it is versatile enough for customization.
What is the preparation for the ground beef?
The beef should be browned in a skillet as part of the initial preparation.
Is this a good meal for kids?
Given that it combines pizza and macaroni and cheese flavors, it is generally a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Can I use bottled garlic?
While fresh minced cloves are suggested, you can use pre-minced garlic if that is what you have on hand.
How is the water measured in this recipe?
You simply use the empty 14-ounce sauce jar to measure the water, ensuring a 1:1 ratio of sauce to water.
Is this dish served warm?
Yes, it should be baked and served warm for the best cheesy experience.