Spaghetti Pie

Spaghetti Pie is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of spaghetti with a cheesy, baked twist. The spaghetti “crust” is topped with a rich, meaty sauce, creamy cheese, and then baked to golden perfection. It’s a fun, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a fun, delicious spin on traditional spaghetti. The “crust” made of spaghetti is simple to make and holds everything together perfectly. The meat sauce is flavorful and hearty, and the cheesy filling takes this dish to the next level. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish and can be stored for leftovers.

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti Crust:

• 8 oz spaghetti (about 1/2 pound)

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, if preferred)

• 1/2 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

• Additional mozzarella cheese to sprinkle on top

Directions

Prepare the Spaghetti Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.

3. Stir in the melted butter, beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Press the mixture into a greased 9-inch pie dish or a deep-dish pie pan to form a crust.

5. Bake for 10 minutes to set.

Make the Meat Sauce:

1. While the spaghetti crust is baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.

Prepare the Cheese Layer:

1. In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

Assemble the Pie:

1. Once the spaghetti crust is done, remove it from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

2. Spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti crust.

3. Spoon the meat sauce on top of the cheese layer, spreading it evenly.

4. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella on top.

Bake:

1. Return the pie to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

2. Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve:

1. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Prep time is about 20 minutes, cook time is 45 minutes, so total time is around 1 hour.

Variations

I like to:

• Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and veggies.

• Use a mix of ground beef and sausage for a more flavorful meat sauce.

• Top with extra mozzarella and bake a little longer for a crispier, cheesier top.

Storage/Reheating

Store the spaghetti pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pie a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it for 25-30 minutes when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze spaghetti pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can swap the ricotta for cream cheese or mascarpone for a creamier texture. You can also use provolone or cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a different flavor.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta for the spaghetti crust to make this dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Pie is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining. The combination of spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese layers creates a meal that’s both filling and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

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