Spaghetti Pie is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the flavors of a traditional spaghetti dinner into a fun and unique dish. Picture this: a luscious, cheesy filling nestled within a crust made from spaghetti, baked to perfection. It’s a great way to use leftover pasta or simply to impress your family and friends with something a bit different. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Spaghetti Pie is sure to be a hit at the table. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You will love how versatile and satisfying Spaghetti Pie is. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience! This dish is packed with flavors, from the savory ground beef and Italian sausage to the creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies if you wish. It’s easy to make, and leftovers are just as delightful. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will rave about!
What You’ll Need
- 6 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Hardware & Gadgets
- Large pot: For boiling the spaghetti.
- Baking dish: A 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized round baking pan works great.
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Skillet: For browning the meat.
- Whisk: To beat the eggs and mix the cheese filling.
- Spatula: For mixing and spreading ingredients evenly.
From Start to Finish: Spaghetti Pie
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with melted butter, eggs, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the spaghetti is coated.
Step 3: Form the Crust
Press the spaghetti mixture into the bottom and up the sides of your baking dish to form a crust. Make sure it’s even and compact, creating a solid base for your filling.
Step 4: Cook the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables and Sauce
To the skillet with the cooked meat, add the can of diced tomatoes (with juice) and the marinara sauce. Stir in the dried parsley, oregano, and basil. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, remaining Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will create a creamy, delicious filling that adds a delightful layer to your Spaghetti Pie.
Step 7: Assemble the Pie
Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the spaghetti crust. Then, layer the meat and sauce mixture on top of the ricotta. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over everything, ensuring an even coverage.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Spaghetti Pie for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
Step 9: Let it Cool
Once baked, remove the Spaghetti Pie from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
Step 10: Serve
Slice the Spaghetti Pie into wedges and serve warm. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!
Swap Guide
- For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef and sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
- Use whole grain spaghetti for a healthier twist.
- Swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter filling.
- Feel free to add your favorite spices or Italian herbs to customize the flavor.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
- Make sure not to overcook the spaghetti; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- Press the spaghetti crust firmly into the dish to hold its shape when baked.
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- Don’t skip the cooling time; it really helps the flavors to meld together.
Prep Ahead & Store
You can prepare the Spaghetti Pie ahead of time. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the Spaghetti Pie for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Spaghetti Pie Q&A
Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
While spaghetti is traditional, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just keep in mind that the crust texture may vary slightly.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids usually love pasta dishes, and the cheesy filling will be a hit. You can even involve them in the assembly process!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check that all your sauces and cheeses are also gluten-free.
What can I serve with Spaghetti Pie?
It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
If you love the idea of one-pan meals, you might also enjoy these delicious recipes:
Time to Try It
Gather your ingredients and let the fun begin! Spaghetti Pie is not only a delightful dish but also a fantastic way to bring family and friends together. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your favorite apron, and get ready to enjoy a hearty slice of this cheesy, meaty goodness. Your taste buds will thank you!
Spaghetti Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with melted butter, eggs, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the spaghetti is coated.
- Press the spaghetti mixture into the bottom and up the sides of your baking dish to form a crust. Make sure it's even and compact, creating a solid base for your filling.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- To the skillet with the cooked meat, add the can of diced tomatoes (with juice) and the marinara sauce. Stir in the dried parsley, oregano, and basil. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, remaining Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will create a creamy, delicious filling that adds a delightful layer to your Spaghetti Pie.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the spaghetti crust. Then, layer the meat and sauce mixture on top of the ricotta. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over everything, ensuring an even coverage.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Spaghetti Pie for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the Spaghetti Pie from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
- Slice the Spaghetti Pie into wedges and serve warm. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef and sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
- Use whole grain spaghetti for a healthier twist.
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
