If you love hearty, comforting meals that bring everyone running to the table, this Spaghetti Pie is guaranteed to become your new go-to for family dinners and potlucks. Imagine all the flavors of classic spaghetti transformed into a spectacular pie with a golden, cheesy crust, creamy ricotta filling, and a savory, saucy meat layer—all bubbling together under a veil of melted mozzarella. It’s equal parts fun, delicious, and surprisingly easy, with simple ingredients that create incredible results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in this recipe helps build the crave-worthy layers that make Spaghetti Pie such a standout dish. These are everyday staples chosen for their ability to deliver maximum flavor, satisfying textures, and a pop of color where it counts.
- Spaghetti: The foundation of our pie, giving that classic pasta chew in every bite.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps bring the spaghetti crust together.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty flavor that seasons the base and helps bind it.
- Large Eggs: Essential for holding the spaghetti crust in place so you get tidy slices.
- Ricotta Cheese: The creamy middle layer that keeps every slice moist and luscious.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Both offer hearty, savory depth—choose your favorite or mix them!
- Chopped Onion: Adds sweetness and rounds out the savory flavors in the meat sauce.
- Minced Garlic: The aromatic backbone that every Italian-inspired sauce needs.
- Marinara Sauce: A jarred sauce keeps things easy, but still gives big tomato flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to form a gooey, golden topping everyone loves.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: This final touch of green adds freshness and a pretty finish.
How to Make Spaghetti Pie
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your pie is assembled. Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or a springform pan thoroughly—it will make slicing and serving your Spaghetti Pie a breeze.
Step 2: Cook and Dress the Spaghetti
Boil your spaghetti in salted water until it’s just shy of tender (al dente). Drain well, then return it to the pot, tossing it with the butter until glossy and coated. Mix in the Parmesan and beaten eggs—this step is crucial, as it creates a pasta “crust” that’s sturdy enough to hold all those layers.
Step 3: Form the Spaghetti Crust
Transfer the spaghetti mixture to your prepared baking pan. Using a spatula (or your fingers!), press the pasta evenly across the base and up the sides. Don’t worry if it seems sticky—once baked, it transforms into the perfect shell for all the goodness to come.
Step 4: Spread the Ricotta Cheese
Now comes a generous layer of ricotta spread right over your spaghetti crust. It adds creaminess and moisture, creating a beautiful contrast with the savory meat sauce that’s up next.
Step 5: Make the Meat Sauce
Brown the ground beef or sausage with chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as you go. Drain any excess fat, then add the garlic, cooking until fragrant—about a minute more. Pour in the marinara sauce and let everything simmer together for about five minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 6: Assemble the Pie
Spoon the warm meat sauce evenly over the ricotta layer, letting some sauce seep into the nooks and crannies. Top the entire pie generously with shredded mozzarella so you’ll get that magical melty cheese finish.
Step 7: Bake and Let It Rest
Bake your Spaghetti Pie for 25 to 30 minutes—just until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it stand for at least 5 to 10 minutes before slicing, which helps everything set so your slices come out beautifully intact.
How to Serve Spaghetti Pie
Garnishes
For a bright, fresh note, sprinkle plenty of chopped parsley over the top before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of extra Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves will make your Spaghetti Pie worthy of any celebration.
Side Dishes
Pair slices of Spaghetti Pie with a crisp green salad or garlicky roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A fluffy slice of garlic bread is nearly impossible to resist and perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking your Spaghetti Pie in a springform pan for dramatic, sky-high slices that stand tall on the plate. Or make mini pies in individual ramekins—kids and grown-ups alike will adore their own personal pasta bake!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spaghetti Pie keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Just cover the dish with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container; it’ll stay fresh for up to four days, making lunch or dinner the next day a breeze.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the whole (cooled) Spaghetti Pie tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or package individual slices. Freeze for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re craving comfort food.
Reheating
To warm up, bake covered at 350°F for about 20 minutes if reheating multiple slices, or microwave individual pieces until piping hot. Either way, you’ll have a delicious, melty Spaghetti Pie ready to enjoy again.
FAQs
Can I make Spaghetti Pie with gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free spaghetti, and be sure to follow the package cooking instructions carefully since gluten-free noodles can vary in texture.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach are excellent stirred into the meat sauce before assembling the pie for added flavor and nutrition.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese as a substitute, or even a mix of cottage cheese and cream cheese for a similar creamy tang. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before spreading on the crust.
How do I prevent Spaghetti Pie from sticking to the pan?
Generously grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, and consider lining the bottom with parchment paper if you’re extra concerned about easy release—especially with a springform pan.
Can I assemble Spaghetti Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can put the pie together a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake according to the recipe—the flavors will have mingled even more overnight.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly joyful about pulling a bubbling, golden Spaghetti Pie from the oven—it’s a dish that practically promises happy faces and empty plates. Whether you make it for Sunday supper or a casual get-together, it’s sure to win rave reviews. Give it a try soon and experience a new twist on classic comfort food!
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Spaghetti Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Spaghetti Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese baked into a perfect slice of pie. This family-friendly recipe is easy to make and sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Ingredients
Spaghetti Crust:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or springform pan.
- Cook spaghetti: Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain, and return to the pot. Stir in butter, Parmesan, and beaten eggs.
- Prepare crust: Press spaghetti mixture into the pie plate to form a crust. Spread ricotta cheese over the crust.
- Cook meat: Cook ground beef or sausage with onion until browned. Add garlic, then marinara sauce, and simmer.
- Assemble: Spoon meat sauce over ricotta layer. Sprinkle mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted. Let stand before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
