Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Pie Recipe 🍝🥧

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready for a seriously comforting and surprisingly easy dinner that’ll wow your family and friends? Then get ready to meet your new favorite dish: Spaghetti Pie! This isn’t your grandma’s spaghetti (though she’d probably love it too!). We’re taking the classic spaghetti and meat sauce and giving it a fun, delicious twist, transforming it into a savory masterpiece. Imagine this: a crispy, golden-brown spaghetti crust cradling a creamy ricotta filling, all topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese and brimming with the rich flavors of your favorite meat sauce. The taste? Think perfectly cooked pasta, a creamy, almost custardy ricotta layer providing a lovely textural contrast, and the warm, familiar comfort of meat sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite.

What makes this spaghetti pie truly special? It’s the ingenious use of cooked spaghetti to create the crust! It’s a clever way to use leftovers, or you can just boil some fresh pasta. It’s quick to prepare, and the results are unbelievably impressive. The prep time is minimal, and the baking time is reasonable, making this a perfect weeknight meal. But it’s also fancy enough to impress guests! This recipe is incredibly adaptable, too, so feel free to personalize it with your favorite ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that effortlessly blends simplicity with sophistication, making it the perfect choice for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. So, ditch the usual spaghetti and meatballs tonight and experience the magic of this spaghetti pie – your taste buds will thank you!

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious spaghetti pie. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff!

6 oz spaghetti: Any standard spaghetti will do, but a slightly thicker variety might hold its shape a little better in the crust.
2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps bind the spaghetti crust.
2 eggs: These are essential for binding the spaghetti crust and giving it that lovely golden-brown color.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, sharp flavor and helps hold the crust together.
1 cup ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy, smooth layer that contrasts beautifully with the crispy crust.
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tsp dried): Fresh parsley adds a vibrant burst of freshness; dried works in a pinch.
½ tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh basil): Basil complements the Italian flavors perfectly.
1 lb lean ground beef: The base of your delicious meat sauce.
½ small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes, drained: Adds acidity and texture to the sauce.
2 cups pasta sauce: Your favorite jarred sauce will work perfectly!
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The perfect melty, cheesy topping!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking! This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious spaghetti pie in no time.

Prepare the Spaghetti Crust: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water. This is important for adjusting the consistency later on.
Melt the Butter: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Don’t let it brown.
Combine Ingredients: Add the drained spaghetti to the melted butter. Gently stir in the beaten eggs and Parmesan cheese. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water at a time until it’s easily workable.
Press into a Pie Dish: Press the spaghetti mixture firmly and evenly into a 9-inch pie dish, creating a crust that goes up the sides. You might need to use your hands or the bottom of a glass to make sure it’s evenly compacted.
Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and pasta sauce; season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Ricotta Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, and dried basil. Mix well.
Assemble the Pie: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the spaghetti crust. Then, pour the meat sauce over the ricotta layer.
Add the Topping: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the filling is heated through.
Cool and Serve: Let the spaghetti pie cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Tip: For an even crispier crust, you can bake the pie for an extra 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Tips for Success

To ensure your spaghetti pie turns out perfectly, here are a few tips: Don’t overcook the spaghetti; slightly al dente is best, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Make sure your spaghetti crust is pressed firmly into the pie dish to prevent it from becoming soggy. If your meat sauce is too watery, simmer it for a few minutes uncovered to reduce the liquid before adding it to the pie. Don’t be shy with the cheese – it’s what makes this dish so irresistible! Finally, let the pie rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly versatile! For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with crumbled lentils or mushrooms. To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free spaghetti. You can also experiment with different cheeses – try a blend of provolone and Parmesan for a sharper flavor, or add some crumbled feta for a tangy twist. Feeling adventurous? Add some spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta layer for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover spaghetti pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply slice and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For best results, reheat individual slices rather than the entire pie. You can also freeze leftover pie for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the pie cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use different types of pasta for the crust? A: While spaghetti works best for its long strands, you can experiment with other long pasta shapes, like linguine or bucatini. However, shorter pasta might not create as cohesive a crust.

Q: How long does the spaghetti pie keep in the fridge? A: Your delicious spaghetti pie will happily sit in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container.

Q: Can I make the pie ahead of time? A: You can prepare the spaghetti crust and the filling components in advance, assemble them, and then bake it just before serving for the best results. Storing the assembled pie before baking isn’t recommended.

Q: Is it possible to make this recipe without meat? A: Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and use sauteed mushrooms, lentils, or vegetables of your choice instead.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping? A: Yes! Experiment with other melting cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor profile.

The Final Word

This ultimate comfort food spaghetti pie is a game-changer. It’s easy, impressive, and utterly delicious. The combination of the crispy spaghetti crust, creamy ricotta filling, and flavorful meat sauce is a culinary dream come true. It’s a perfect dish for a family dinner, a potluck, or even a casual weeknight meal. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your delicious creations on social media! We can’t wait to see your stunning spaghetti pies!

Spaghetti Pie Recipe 🍝🥧

A savory pie with a crispy spaghetti crust, creamy ricotta filling, and meat sauce topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 45

Servings 6 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

9×13 inch baking dish Or similar sized baking dish
Large pot For cooking spaghetti

Ingredients

Spaghetti Crust

6 oz spaghetti
2 tbsp butter
2 eggs
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cheese Layer

1 cup ricotta cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tsp dried)
0.5 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh basil)

Meat Sauce

1 lb lean ground beef
0.5 small onion, diced
14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups pasta sauce

Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, butter, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
Press the spaghetti mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish to form the crust.
In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parsley, and basil. Spread evenly over the spaghetti crust.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion. Drain excess fat. Stir in the diced tomatoes and pasta sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Pour the meat sauce over the ricotta layer.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.