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
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and coat a deep-dish pie plate with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain thoroughly, then return to pot and incorporate melted butter, ensuring complete coating.
- 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.
- Blend ricotta with fresh parsley and basil, creating a creamy herb-infused spread. Distribute evenly across the spaghetti foundation.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with diced onions until meat is fully cooked. Eliminate excess grease through careful draining.
- Introduce diced tomatoes and pasta sauce to the meat mixture, simmering for 3-4 minutes to develop rich flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Gently ladle the seasoned meat sauce over the ricotta layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- 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.
- 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