Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Pie Recipe Recipe

Spaghetti Pie Recipe takes the classic spaghetti and marinara combo and transforms it into a baked casserole with layers of cheese and a crispy golden top. What makes it so special is the crunchy “crust” made from the spaghetti itself, which adds texture to the dish. The combination of pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—add vegetables, use different cheeses, or even swap out the meat for a vegetarian option. It’s the ultimate comfort food!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey

• 1/2 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

4. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is well-mixed.

6. Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared pie dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the meat sauce, spreading it evenly over the spaghetti layer.

7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.

8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

9. Let the spaghetti pie cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground meat for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini, or use a plant-based meat substitute.

• Extra Cheese: Add an extra layer of your favorite cheese (cheddar, provolone, etc.) for an even cheesier pie.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for some heat.

• Pasta Variety: Instead of spaghetti, try other pasta like penne or rigatoni for a fun twist on the traditional recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze Spaghetti Pie before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store for up to 3 months. To freeze baked, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it up.

• Reheating: To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even plant-based meats if you prefer.

2. Can I make Spaghetti Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Assemble the pie, cover it, and refrigerate. Then, bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce works great for this recipe. Just choose a high-quality one for the best flavor.

4. Can I freeze Spaghetti Pie?

Yes, Spaghetti Pie freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping and storing it in a freezer-safe container.

5. What other cheeses can I use?

In addition to mozzarella and ricotta, you can try provolone, gouda, or even a sharp cheddar for added flavor.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or incorporate diced jalapeños or hot sausage.

7. Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, gluten-free spaghetti or any gluten-free pasta would work well for this recipe.

8. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use penne, rotini, or rigatoni in place of spaghetti for a fun variation on the recipe.

9. How can I make this Spaghetti Pie lighter?

To make it lighter, use lean ground turkey or chicken, low-fat ricotta cheese, and a lower-calorie marinara sauce.

10. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace the meat with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, or use a meat substitute to keep it vegetarian.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Pie is a wonderful twist on traditional spaghetti that turns a classic pasta dish into a comforting, cheesy casserole. With a delicious mix of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. It’s versatile, easy to make, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or an impressive dish for guests, Spaghetti Pie is sure to satisfy!