Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe: A Fun Twist on Pasta Night

Crafting a delightful spaghetti pie can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary adventure.

Pasta enthusiasts will adore this creative twist on classic Italian comfort food.

Crispy edges and a cheesy interior make this dish irresistibly tempting.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary.

Layers of noodles, rich sauce, and melted cheese come together effortlessly.

Families gather around the table, eager to slice into this golden-brown masterpiece.

You won’t believe how quickly this crowd-pleasing recipe becomes a household favorite.

Why Spaghetti Pie Makes Dinner So Fun

• Conquer Comfort Food Cravings: A spaghetti pie transforms classic pasta into a delightful layered dish that combines familiar flavors in a stunning presentation.
• Transform Leftovers: Easily repurpose extra spaghetti and ground beef into a creative meal that feels totally different from the original ingredients, making dinner exciting and resourceful.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines cheesy, meaty, and pasta elements that appeal to children and adults alike, ensuring everyone at the table will be happy and satisfied with this playful recipe.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using simple cooking techniques and allowing all ingredients to bake together in a single pie plate, reducing dishwashing and saving precious cooking time.

What Goes Into a Classic Spaghetti Pie

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that creates the foundational crust for this delightful pie.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the spaghetti together.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to hold the spaghetti crust in place.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a savory, nutty flavor to the spaghetti base.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy, smooth layer with a mild, fresh taste.
• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that add brightness and aromatic depth to the cheese mixture.

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that adds hearty flavor to the pie.
• Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for the meat sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes, Pasta Sauce: Create a rich, flavorful tomato sauce that complements the meat.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty topping that adds a golden, cheesy finish to the pie.

How to Bake This Cheesy Pasta Pie Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F and give your deep-dish pie plate a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta Base

Cook spaghetti until perfectly tender.

After draining, toss the noodles back into the pot and stir in melted butter until every strand is coated with buttery goodness.

Step 3: Create the Pasta Crust

Whisk eggs and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.

Pour this mixture over the buttered spaghetti and mix thoroughly. Press the spaghetti into the pie plate, forming a sturdy, delicious crust that will hold all the yummy layers.

Step 4: Spread the Creamy Cheese Layer

Mix ricotta cheese with fresh parsley and basil. Gently spread this herbed cheese mixture evenly across the spaghetti crust, creating a smooth and fragrant foundation.

Step 5: Cook the Meaty Sauce

Brown ground beef and diced onions in a skillet over medium heat. Make sure the beef is completely cooked through and drain any excess fat.

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce

Add diced tomatoes and pasta sauce to the beef. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Layer the Meat Sauce

Pour the simmered meat sauce over the ricotta cheese layer, creating a hearty and robust topping.

Step 8: Bake and Cheese It Up

Slide the pie into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Let the spaghetti pie cool for a few minutes.

Slice into wedges and serve warm, watching everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Notes That Help Spaghetti Pie Hold Shape

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that maintains the dish's delicious flavor profile.
• Enhance the ricotta layer by adding fresh chopped garlic or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor and depth.
• Prevent the spaghetti crust from becoming soggy by ensuring the pasta is well-drained and slightly cooled before mixing with eggs and cheese.
• Make this dish ahead of time by preparing and assembling the pie, then refrigerating until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to cooking time when baking from cold.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding provolone or mixing in some cream cheese to create a more complex and creamy texture in the ricotta layer.

Twists That Add Flair to Spaghetti Pie

• Vegetarian Spaghetti Pie: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Spaghetti Pie: Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spaghetti Pie: Add red pepper flakes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese to create a zesty Mediterranean-inspired variation with bold Mediterranean flavors.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Spaghetti Pie: Substitute traditional spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that reduces overall calorie content.

Great Pairings for Spaghetti Pie Dinners

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the hearty meat sauce and cuts through the rich cheese layers.
• Complement with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and light vinaigrette to balance the pie's heavy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up extra sauce and add a delightful crunch that perfectly matches the soft spaghetti pie texture.
• Match with Sparkling Water with Lemon: Add a bright, palate-cleansing drink that helps cut through the richness and provides a light, zesty accompaniment to the meal.

Best Storage Methods for Spaghetti Pie Leftovers

• Store leftover spaghetti pie in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with linguine or fettuccine, but thinner pasta might change the overall texture of the pie.

• Is this dish considered a main course or side dish?

Spaghetti pie is a hearty main course that combines pasta, meat, and cheese into one complete meal.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or use sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini as the protein layer.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the pie earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

Spaghetti Pie Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spaghetti pie brings comfort and creativity to classic Italian cuisine, merging pasta and cheesy goodness in one delightful dish. Crispy edges, creamy center, and rich flavors make this recipe a perfect weeknight dinner that brings smiles to hungry families.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 6 ounces (170 grams) spaghetti
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups pasta sauce

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 14.5 ounces (411 grams) canned diced tomatoes, drained

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and coat a deep-dish pie plate with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain thoroughly, then return to pot and incorporate melted butter, ensuring complete coating.
3. Whisk eggs and Parmesan cheese, then fold into spaghetti to create a uniform mixture. Carefully press the pasta into the pie plate, forming an even, compact base layer.
4. Blend ricotta with fresh parsley and basil, creating a creamy herb-infused spread. Distribute evenly across the spaghetti foundation.
5. In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with diced onions until meat is fully cooked. Eliminate excess grease through careful draining.
6. Introduce diced tomatoes and pasta sauce to the meat mixture, simmering for 3-4 minutes to develop rich flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
7. Gently ladle the seasoned meat sauce over the ricotta layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Return to oven for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
9. Rest the pie for 5-7 minutes to set, then slice into wedges and serve while still warm.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein option that maintains delicious flavor.
• Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano or thyme in the ricotta mixture to elevate the overall taste profile and add extra aromatic complexity.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress, making this dish more enjoyable to create.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg