Have you ever had one of those meals that feels like a hug in a dish? That’s exactly what Spaghetti Pie is—comfort food at its finest. Picture this: tender spaghetti noodles wrapped up in a cheesy, savory, egg-based filling, all baked to perfection. It’s kind of like lasagna’s fun, pasta-loving cousin, and trust me, you’re going to love it! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or whipping up something quick for yourself, Spaghetti Pie is a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to make, and the leftovers are just as delicious (if you even have any!). Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Pie
This isn’t just a casserole; it’s an experience. Spaghetti Pie has the kind of flavors that stick with you, making it perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
Spaghetti Pie can be made for any occasion! Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or want to impress guests at your next dinner party, it fits the bill. You can even customize it to suit any flavor mood you’re in—add some meatballs, mix in veggies, or throw in a little extra cheese for a truly indulgent treat.
Budget-Friendly
If you’re looking to make a meal that stretches your dollars without sacrificing flavor, Spaghetti Pie is a winner. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so there’s no need for fancy, expensive items. It’s proof that simple ingredients can make a showstopping meal.
Quick and Easy
Don’t stress about complicated steps—this recipe is as straightforward as they come. In fact, it’s one of those dishes that even beginners can master with ease. All you have to do is boil some pasta, mix it with a few other ingredients, and let the oven do the rest. And, before you know it, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to serve.
Customizable
Love spicy food? Add some red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne for a little heat. Prefer a milder version? Skip the spicy stuff and add a few extra herbs instead. Spaghetti Pie is super forgiving, so you can tailor it to your exact preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing
This one’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family—and you won’t have to worry about picky eaters. The cheesy, savory goodness is something everyone can get behind. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that makes people ask for seconds!
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of Spaghetti Pie—it’s made with simple ingredients that work together to create something extraordinary. Let’s break it down:
Spaghetti
The base of this pie. Tender pasta that absorbs all those delicious flavors, creating the perfect foundation for the filling. It’s the comforting texture that makes each bite feel like a cozy hug.
Eggs
They bind everything together while adding richness and a smooth texture to the pie. They’re the secret ingredient that turns this dish into something special.
Cheeses
Mozzarella and Parmesan—what a duo! Mozzarella gives it that melty, gooey perfection, while Parmesan adds a sharp, salty bite. Together, they create a cheesy dream.
Ground Beef (or Turkey)
This is optional, but I love adding ground beef for some heartiness. If you prefer turkey or even a vegetarian option, feel free to swap it in. It’s all about making this dish work for you.
Marinara Sauce
The flavorful sauce that pulls everything together. It’s tangy, savory, and just the right touch of sweetness. You can use your favorite store-bought version or go homemade if you’re feeling fancy.
Herbs & Spices
Oregano, basil, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling adventurous!) give the dish a savory depth that’ll keep you coming back for more.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly and gives the pie a golden, bubbly finish.
Cook Your Spaghetti
Boil your spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain it and set it aside. You want the pasta to be al dente, so it holds its shape in the pie.
Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef (or turkey) until browned. Add in your marinara sauce, garlic powder, oregano, and basil, and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors together.
Make the Egg-Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together your eggs, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be the creamy binder that holds everything together.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, toss your cooked spaghetti with the egg and cheese mixture. Make sure every strand is coated with that cheesy goodness. Then, pour in the meat sauce mixture and stir until well combined.
Assemble the Pie
Grease a pie dish or baking pan, and then pour your spaghetti mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Top it with a little more cheese for that extra cheesy top!
Bake to Perfection
Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like a cheesy, savory dream.
Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. It’ll hold together better, and the flavors will have a chance to settle in. Then, serve it up and enjoy!
How to Serve Spaghetti Pie
Spaghetti Pie is hearty enough on its own, but here are a few ways to make your meal extra special:
Fresh Salads
Pair it with a light, crisp salad to balance the richness of the pie. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette works beautifully.
Garlic Bread
Because, let’s face it, what’s better than adding more carbs? Serve with warm, crispy garlic bread for a side that everyone will love.
Roasted Veggies
Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus complement the richness of the pie and add a little color to the plate.
A Glass of Red Wine
A glass of red wine, like a nice Chianti, is the perfect way to elevate the experience and bring out the deep flavors of the pie.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make your Spaghetti Pie even better:
Make It Ahead
Spaghetti Pie can be made ahead of time! Assemble the pie, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It’ll save you time and make dinner even easier.
Freeze for Later
If you have leftovers (or want to make a double batch), Spaghetti Pie freezes beautifully. Just cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight and bake as usual.
Spice It Up
Feeling adventurous? Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to your sauce or toss in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
Switch Up the Cheese
Try adding ricotta for an extra creamy layer or using provolone for a different twist on the classic mozzarella.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Of course! Use a meat substitute like lentils or extra veggies for a hearty, vegetarian version.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A4: Yes! Assemble the pie, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Q5: Can I freeze Spaghetti Pie?
A5: Yes! Once it’s cooled, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake when ready to enjoy.
Q6: How do I reheat Spaghetti Pie?
A6: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave in individual portions until heated through.
Q7: Can I add veggies to Spaghetti Pie?
A7: Absolutely! You can mix in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q8: Can I use a different type of meat?
A8: Yes! You can swap the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even sausage, depending on your preferences.
Q9: Is Spaghetti Pie spicy?
A9: It’s not too spicy unless you add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
PrintSpaghetti Pie
A delicious and comforting dish with a spaghetti crust, creamy cheese layer, and savory meat sauce topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
-
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Spaghetti Crust:
- 6 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups pasta sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a deep-dish pie plate.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well and return the spaghetti to the pot. Stir in the butter until fully melted and combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and Parmesan cheese together. Add this mixture to the spaghetti, tossing until evenly coated. Press the spaghetti mixture into the greased pie plate, forming an even crust.
- In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parsley, and basil. Spread this cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti crust.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and pasta sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Spread the meat sauce evenly over the ricotta layer in the pie plate.
- Bake the spaghetti pie for 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the spaghetti pie to cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for some heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 120mg