Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish with a unique twist? This Spaghetti Pie Recipe is the answer! Combining the best of baked pasta with a pie-like presentation, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for hearty comfort food. Here’s everything you need to know about making this delicious dish.
Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Pie
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and tasty way to serve spaghetti that kids love.
- Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare it in advance and bake when ready to serve.
- Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients like veggies, sausage, or different cheeses.
- Perfect for Leftovers: A great way to use up leftover spaghetti.
Ingredients for Spaghetti Pie
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:
For the Crust:
- 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Spaghetti Crust
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter.
- Press the spaghetti mixture evenly into the pie dish to form a crust.
2. Cook the Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Spread ricotta cheese evenly over the spaghetti crust.
- Add the meat sauce on top of the ricotta layer.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
4. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve
- Let the spaghetti pie cool for 5-10 minutes. Slice and serve garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Spaghetti Pie
- Use Leftover Pasta: Perfect for repurposing spaghetti from last night’s dinner.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap out the meat for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Add a Kick: Spice it up with red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti for a celiac-friendly dish.
Why Spaghetti Pie is a Winner
This recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. It’s versatile, easy to make, and delivers rich, cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing guests, spaghetti pie will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Conclusion
Elevate your pasta night with this delectable Spaghetti Pie Recipe. It’s a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Bookmark this recipe and treat yourself and your loved ones to a new spin on spaghetti.
Serving and Storage Tips for Spaghetti Pie
Serving Tips
- Slice it like a pie: Spaghetti pie holds its shape well, so you can easily slice it into wedges, just like a traditional pie or quiche. This makes it great for serving guests or packing in lunchboxes.
- Pair with sides: To round out the meal, serve spaghetti pie with a light side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the rich, cheesy flavor of the pie.
- Garnish: Add some fresh basil, parsley, or even a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top right before serving for a burst of color and extra flavor.
- Serving Temperature: Spaghetti pie can be enjoyed hot, warm, or even at room temperature. If you’re serving it at a gathering, consider letting it rest for a few minutes after baking so it’s easier to slice.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Leftover spaghetti pie can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
- Freezing: To freeze spaghetti pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can bake it directly from frozen, but it will take longer—around 50-60 minutes.
- Reheating: To reheat individual slices, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.
With these serving and storage tips, you can make the most out of your spaghetti pie and enjoy its comforting flavors throughout the week!
1. Can I make spaghetti pie ahead of time?
Yes, spaghetti pie is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the pie up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it when you’re ready to serve. Alternatively, you can freeze it before baking and cook it later for an easy weeknight meal.
2. Can I use gluten-free pasta for spaghetti pie?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta in place of regular spaghetti to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the gluten-free pasta package for best results.
3. How can I make spaghetti pie vegetarian?
To make spaghetti pie vegetarian, simply skip the meat and add extra vegetables to the sauce or mix them into the spaghetti. You can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or any other favorite veggies for added flavor and nutrition.
4. Can I freeze leftover spaghetti pie?
Yes, spaghetti pie freezes very well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven, or bake it straight from frozen (it will take longer to cook).
PrintSpaghetti Pie Recipe
This Spaghetti Pie is a fun and comforting twist on classic spaghetti! With a “crust” made of pasta and a cheesy filling, topped with savory meat sauce and melted cheese, it’s baked to perfection for a family-friendly meal. Easy to make and easy to love!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Serves 6-8)
For the Pasta Crust:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a springform pan.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
- Stir in the melted butter, eggs, and Parmesan cheese until the pasta is evenly coated.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Pie:
- Press the spaghetti mixture into the prepared pie dish, forming it into a crust that comes up the sides.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the spaghetti crust.
- Top with the meat sauce, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Let the spaghetti pie cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the pie and refrigerate up to 1 day in advance. Bake as directed, adding an extra 5 minutes if starting from cold.
- Vegetarian Option: Use sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers instead of meat.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.