Spaghetti Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spaghetti Pie is the perfect blend of comfort food and convenience. The spaghetti noodle "crust" adds a delightful texture to the dish, and when layered with ricotta cheese, seasoned beef, marinara sauce, and mozzarella, it creates a hearty meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying. It’s an easy one-pan dinner that looks impressive and tastes even better, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 ounces spaghetti noodles

• 2 Tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 8 ounces ricotta cheese

• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish.

2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions, drain, and rinse with cold water.

3. In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the melted butter. Stir in the beaten egg and Parmesan cheese. Press this mixture into the pie dish to form a crust.

4. In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and Italian seasoning. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the spaghetti crust.

5. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors.

6. Spread the beef sauce over the ricotta layer, then top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.

8. Remove from the oven and let the pie cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 people

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetarian-friendly version.

• Cheesy: For extra cheesiness, add a layer of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese between the ricotta and beef layers.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake the entire pie at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

How do I make sure the spaghetti crust holds together?

The key to a sturdy spaghetti crust is to mix the spaghetti with melted butter, egg, and Parmesan cheese before pressing it into the pie dish. This helps the noodles stick together and form a solid base.

Can I make Spaghetti Pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes if it's been chilled.

Can I freeze Spaghetti Pie?

Yes! Once baked, allow the pie to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 30-40 minutes.

What kind of pasta should I use for Spaghetti Pie?

Traditional spaghetti is used for this recipe, but you can experiment with other long pasta types like linguine or fettuccine if desired.

How do I prevent the spaghetti from being too dry?

Be sure to toss the cooked spaghetti with melted butter before adding the egg and cheese. This ensures the noodles stay moist and flavorful throughout the baking process.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade marinara sauce will add even more flavor to this dish, but store-bought marinara works great as well.

How do I make the Spaghetti Pie spicy?

To add some heat, you can stir in red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce or top the finished pie with sliced jalapeños.

Can I add vegetables to the Spaghetti Pie?

Yes! You can sauté vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach and add them to the meat sauce or layer them in with the ricotta cheese.

Can I make this dish without meat?

Yes! You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with sautéed vegetables or a meat substitute.

How do I garnish the Spaghetti Pie?

Chopped fresh parsley or basil makes a great garnish that adds color and a fresh flavor to the dish. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy finish.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Pie is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings. With its unique crust made of spaghetti noodles and a flavorful combination of ricotta, beef, marinara, and melted mozzarella, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s a fun twist on traditional spaghetti that you’ll want to make again and again!