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
Scale
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.
