If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s both fun and delicious, this Spaghetti Pie Recipe is your perfect go-to. It takes classic spaghetti and turns it into a beautiful, sliceable pie with layers of cheesy ricotta, hearty meat sauce, and a crispy spaghetti crust. Imagine all the beloved flavors of pasta night, but with a fresh and exciting twist that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings warmth and joy to the table, making every bite truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but each plays an essential role in making this Spaghetti Pie Recipe stand out. From the texture-rich spaghetti crust to the creamy herb-infused ricotta layer and the savory meat sauce, every component works together to build layers of flavor and satisfaction.
- 6 ounces spaghetti: The base for the crust, cooked just right for structure and tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps the spaghetti strands stick together in the crust.
- 2 eggs: Acts as a binder to hold the spaghetti crust firmly in place.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty flavor that amps up the crust.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy layer that balances the meat sauce and adds mild richness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley): Brings a fresh, herbal brightness to the cheese layer.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh): Infuses the ricotta with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty protein that makes the meat sauce deeply satisfying.
- 1/2 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained: Provides chunky texture and a fresh tomato flavor.
- 2 cups pasta sauce: The sauce base that ties all the savory elements together.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty topping that crowns the pie with irresistible gooeyness.
How to Make Spaghetti Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a deep-dish pie plate. Getting this done upfront sets you up for a smooth assembly later.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. Drain it well, then return it to the pot and stir in the butter while the pasta is still warm. This keeps the strands soft, flavorful, and easy to work with when shaping the crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Spaghetti Crust
Whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Add this mixture to your buttery spaghetti and toss to coat everything evenly. Then press the spaghetti mixture firmly into the greased pie plate, shaping it into a sturdy crust that will hold the layers above.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, blend the ricotta cheese with the parsley and basil. This herbaceous, creamy layer will add a lovely contrast to the rich meat sauce, so spread it evenly over your spaghetti crust.
Step 5: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with the diced onion until browned and fragrant. Drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and pasta sauce, allowing the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened and full of cozy flavor.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake Your Spaghetti Pie
Carefully spoon the warm meat sauce over the ricotta layer, spreading it evenly. Bake the pie for 20 to 25 minutes, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts to bubbly, golden perfection.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Allow your Spaghetti Pie Recipe to cool just a little before slicing. This helps it hold its shape and makes serving neat slices much easier. Get ready for compliments and happy plates all around!
How to Serve Spaghetti Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or basil scattered on top brings a pop of color and bright herbal notes that make every bite more vibrant. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory finish that enhances the pie’s cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf also makes a fantastic companion to soak up any extra meat sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve individual slices on pretty plates with a drizzle of aromatic basil oil or a side of spicy marinara for dipping. You can also cut the pie into smaller squares for a fun appetizer or party platter that invites everyone to dig in and share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover spaghetti pie tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it great for easy lunches or second-night dinners.
Freezing
This Spaghetti Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer bag. frozen pie can be stored for up to 2 months and reheated as needed without losing much of its deliciousness.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your spaghetti pie slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also microwave leftovers covered with a damp paper towel for a quicker option, though the crust won’t stay as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Spaghetti Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully to create the crust’s signature texture, you can experiment with other long or short pasta shapes, like linguine or penne, though results may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to drain the diced tomatoes in the meat sauce?
Draining the diced tomatoes helps prevent your sauce from becoming too watery, keeping the layers firm and the pie sliceable. However, if you prefer a saucier pie, you can leave in some of the liquid.
Can I make this pie vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and veggies for a delicious vegetarian version that still packs flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese in this recipe?
If ricotta isn’t your favorite or not available, cottage cheese or cream cheese can be used as alternatives for the creamy cheese layer, though the texture and flavor will be a bit different.
How do I ensure the spaghetti crust holds together well?
The key is mixing the eggs and Parmesan thoroughly with the warm, buttery spaghetti and pressing it firmly into the pie plate. Let the pie cool slightly after baking to help it set perfectly before slicing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Spaghetti Pie Recipe that transforms your usual pasta night into a celebration of flavors and textures. It’s comforting, impressive, and surprisingly simple to make. I wholeheartedly encourage you to whip up this dish for your next dinner — it’s a winner every time, bringing smiles and satisfied appetites all around.
Print
Spaghetti Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Spaghetti Pie is a comforting and hearty dish featuring a spaghetti crust layered with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, rich meat sauce, and melted mozzarella topping. Baked to perfection, it combines the flavors of Italian pasta and lasagna in a unique pie form, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti Crust:
- 6 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups pasta sauce
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a deep-dish pie plate to prepare it for the spaghetti crust.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and return the pasta to the pot. Stir in the butter until melted to coat the noodles evenly.
- Prepare Crust: In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese together. Pour this mixture into the spaghetti and toss thoroughly to coat all strands. Press the spaghetti mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie plate to create the crust.
- Make Cheese Layer: In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, and basil. Spread this flavorful cheese mixture uniformly over the spaghetti crust, forming the pie’s cheese layer.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with diced onion until the beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain any excess fat from the pan. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and pasta sauce, then simmer the sauce for several minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Assemble Pie: Spoon the prepared meat sauce evenly over the ricotta cheese layer in the pie plate, spreading it to cover the cheese completely.
- Bake: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and return the pie to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy the savory layers and comforting flavors.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and maintain flavor.
- Make sure to drain the tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in the meat sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Letting the pie rest before slicing helps it hold its shape better.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried for brighter flavor.
