Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Of all the dishes in my weekly dinner rotation, few elicit the same level of pure, unadulterated joy as Spaghetti Pie. The first time I made it, I was skeptical. Was it a gimmick? Just another casserole? But when I pulled that golden, cheesy masterpiece from the oven and made the first slice, revealing perfect layers of pasta, creamy ricotta, and rich meat sauce, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The audible gasp from my family, followed by a chorus of “Whoa!”, was all the confirmation I needed. It has the soul-warming comfort of a classic spaghetti and meatball dinner but with the delightful structure and presentation of a savory pie. The edges get wonderfully crispy, the spaghetti “crust” is tender yet firm, and the cheesy pull from the mozzarella is the stuff of legends. It’s now our go-to for potlucks, celebratory family dinners, and those chilly evenings when only the most comforting of comfort foods will do. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an event, a memory-maker, and a guaranteed way to win over any crowd.

What Exactly is Spaghetti Pie?

Before we dive into the delicious details, let’s define our star. Spaghetti Pie is a brilliant culinary creation that transforms traditional spaghetti into a baked, sliceable casserole. It’s a beloved Italian-American comfort food classic. The foundation is cooked spaghetti, which is tossed with eggs and Parmesan cheese and then pressed into a pie plate to form a “crust.” This crust is then filled with layers of creamy cheese—typically ricotta—and a hearty meat or marinara sauce. Topped with a generous blanket of melted mozzarella, it’s baked until hot, bubbly, and golden brown. The result is a dish that holds its shape when sliced, offering a unique and satisfying way to enjoy familiar flavors. It’s the perfect marriage of a pasta dinner and a deep-dish casserole.

Why You Will Fall in Love with This Recipe

If you’re not already convinced, here are a few more reasons why this Spaghetti Pie recipe will become a permanent fixture in your kitchen:

• Ultimate Comfort Food: It combines all the cozy, satisfying elements of a pasta dinner into one incredible dish.
• Perfect for a Crowd: It’s easy to make, serves a good number of people, and always impresses guests with its unique presentation.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: You can assemble the entire pie a day in advance, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or stress-free entertaining.
• Freezer-Friendly: It freezes beautifully, either whole or in individual slices, for a quick and delicious meal whenever you need one.
• A Fun Twist on a Classic: It’s a creative and exciting way to serve spaghetti, especially appealing to kids and picky eaters who will love the “pie” concept.
• Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple, affordable, and readily available at any grocery store.

The Ultimate Spaghetti Pie Ingredients

To create this show-stopping dish, you’ll need a few key components for each layer. Using fresh, quality ingredients will make a world of difference.

For the Spaghetti Crust:

• Spaghetti: 12 ounces, uncooked (about ¾ of a standard box)
• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted
• Large Eggs: 2, lightly beaten
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: ⅔ cup, freshly grated for best results
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly cracked

For the Rich Meat Sauce:

• Lean Ground Beef: 1 pound (90/10 or 85/15 recommended)
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Marinara Sauce: 24-ounce jar of your favorite high-quality marinara sauce
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)

For the Creamy Cheese Filling:

• Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, plus 1 ½ cups for topping
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped
• Salt and Pepper: To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Spaghetti Pie

Follow these detailed instructions to assemble your pie. The process is straightforward and can be broken down into preparing the components and then assembling them for baking.

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Form the Crust

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until it is al dente. It’s very important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Aim for the lower end of the recommended cooking time.
2. Drain and Mix: Drain the spaghetti well and return it to the hot pot. Add the melted butter and toss to coat every strand. This prevents it from sticking.
3. Bind the Crust: In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 beaten eggs, ⅔ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Pour this mixture over the buttered spaghetti and use tongs to toss everything together until the spaghetti is thoroughly and evenly coated. The heat from the pasta will help temper the eggs slightly.
4. Form the Crust: Generously grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the spaghetti mixture into the prepared plate. Using the back of a spoon or your hands, press the spaghetti firmly against the bottom and up the sides of the plate to form a thick, even crust. Set aside while you prepare the fillings.

Step 2: Cook the Hearty Meat Sauce

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is no longer pink.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Add the chopped yellow onion to the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, until it has softened and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce into the skillet. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling

1. Combine Ingredients: While the sauce is simmering, prepare the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the chopped fresh parsley.
2. Season: Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper and stir until it’s well combined and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake Your Masterpiece

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. First Layer – Cheese: Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of the spaghetti crust. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, level layer.
3. Second Layer – Sauce: Carefully spoon the meat sauce over the ricotta layer, spreading it out to the edges of the pie.
4. Final Layer – Mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the meat sauce.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the pie plate on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown on top.
6. Rest and Set: This is a crucial step! Remove the Spaghetti Pie from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the pie to set, ensuring you get clean, beautiful slices that hold their shape.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories Per Serving: Approximately 650-750 kcal

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the ground beef and the brand of marinara sauce.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes (includes simmering sauce and baking)
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus 15 minutes resting time)

How to Serve Spaghetti Pie

Serving this dish is part of the fun. The “wow” factor comes from slicing into it like a real pie. Here are some tips and accompaniments to make it a complete meal:

• The Grand Reveal: Bring the whole pie to the table for everyone to admire before you make the first cut. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter for clean slices.
• Perfect Pairings: A simple side dish is all you need to round out this hearty meal.
  • Garlic Bread: A classic choice. Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on the plate.
  • Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette (like a lemon or balsamic dressing) provides a fresh, acidic contrast to the richness of the pie. A Caesar salad also works beautifully.
  • Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus with a squeeze of lemon adds color and nutrients to the meal.
• Garnishes: Elevate the presentation with a few simple garnishes right before serving.
  • A sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  • A chiffonade of fresh basil or more chopped fresh parsley.
  • A dash of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy extra spice.
• Wine Pairing: For the adults at the table, a medium-bodied Italian red wine like a Chianti Classico or a Montepulciano complements the flavors of the tomato sauce and cheese perfectly.

5 Additional Tips for the Best-Ever Spaghetti Pie

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: This is the most important tip. Remember, the spaghetti will be baked for 30 minutes. If you cook it past al dente, it will become soft and mushy in the final dish. You want the spaghetti strands to maintain their integrity to form a sturdy crust.
2. Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents like potato starch, which can prevent them from melting as smoothly and can impart a slightly gritty texture. Grating your own Parmesan and mozzarella from a block will result in a superior melt and flavor.
3. Let It Rest!: I cannot stress this enough. Letting the pie rest for 10-15 minutes after it comes out of the oven is essential. It allows the cheese and sauce to set, so when you cut into it, you get a clean slice instead of a sloppy pile. Patience is a virtue here!
4. Grease Your Pie Plate Thoroughly: To ensure your beautiful slices come out cleanly, make sure every inch of your pie plate is well-greased. A generous coating of butter or a quality non-stick spray is your best friend.
5. Build Flavor in Your Sauce: Don’t just dump the jar of marinara in with the meat. Taking the time to sauté the onion and garlic first builds a deep, aromatic base of flavor. Letting the sauce simmer allows those flavors to marry and intensify, turning a good sauce into a great one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make Spaghetti Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of the best features of this recipe. You can assemble the entire pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
While spaghetti is traditional, you can certainly experiment. Thin spaghetti, bucatini, or even angel hair pasta would work well. The key is to use a long-strand pasta that can be molded into a crust. Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini would create more of a standard baked ziti-style casserole, which is also delicious but won’t have the distinct “pie” structure.

3. My Spaghetti Pie came out watery. What did I do wrong?
A watery pie is usually caused by two things: a watery marinara sauce or wet ricotta cheese. To prevent this, choose a thick, high-quality marinara sauce. If your sauce seems thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken. For the ricotta, some brands contain more whey (the liquid part). You can strain your ricotta in a cheesecloth-lined sieve for 30 minutes before using it to remove excess moisture.

4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, easily! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef. You can either use the marinara sauce on its own or bulk it up with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a delicious and hearty vegetarian filling. You could also substitute the ground beef with a cup of cooked brown lentils or plant-based ground “meat.”

5. What is the purpose of the eggs in the spaghetti crust?
The eggs are the magic ingredient that holds the crust together. When the pie bakes, the eggs cook and act as a binder, setting the spaghetti strands into a firm but tender crust that you can slice cleanly. Without the eggs, the spaghetti would just be a loose pile of pasta at the bottom of the dish.

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