Spaghetti Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spaghetti Pie is a fun, unique way to enjoy pasta in a new form. The spaghetti crust creates a crispy, cheesy exterior that perfectly complements the soft, flavorful interior filled with marinara sauce, meat (if you choose to add it), and a rich blend of cheeses. It’s an easy-to-make, comforting dish that’s both family-friendly and great for meal prep. Plus, it’s customizable—add your favorite ingredients like ground beef, vegetables, or extra cheese to make it your own.

Ingredients

For the spaghetti crust:

• 8 oz spaghetti (or other pasta of choice)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the filling:

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade)

• 1/2 lb ground beef or sausage (optional)

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

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

Directions

Prepare the Spaghetti Crust:

1. Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Make the crust mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, eggs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly.

3. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized baking dish. Press the spaghetti mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the dish to form a “crust.” Make sure it’s even and compact.

4. Bake the crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the spaghetti crust for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is slightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Prepare the Filling:

5. Cook the meat: If you’re using ground beef or sausage, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and basil if desired. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

6. Prepare the cheese filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well-combined.

Assemble the Spaghetti Pie:

7. Layer the filling: Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the baked spaghetti crust.

8. Add the sauce: Pour the marinara sauce (with or without meat) over the ricotta layer, spreading it evenly across the top.

9. Bake the pie: Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Serve:

10. Cool and slice: Let the spaghetti pie cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the pie hold its shape better.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Vegetarian Spaghetti Pie: Skip the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the marinara sauce for a more veggie-packed version.

• Meat Lovers: Use both ground beef and Italian sausage for a richer filling, or add pepperoni for an extra savory touch.

• Cheese Lover’s Spaghetti Pie: Double the amount of mozzarella or add provolone, ricotta, or gouda for a more decadent pie.

• Spicy Spaghetti Pie: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy sausage to give the pie a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the spaghetti pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta in this recipe to make the dish gluten-free. The rest of the recipe will remain the same.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the spaghetti pie a day ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes and then bake as instructed.

3. Can I freeze Spaghetti Pie?

Yes, Spaghetti Pie freezes well. You can either freeze it before baking or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and bake it from frozen, adding about 10-15 extra minutes of baking time.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella or Parmesan with other cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or provolone for different flavor profiles.

5. Can I make this recipe without the ricotta?

Yes, you can omit the ricotta cheese and use more mozzarella or a combination of other cheeses like cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.

6. How do I prevent the spaghetti crust from being too soggy?

Make sure to bake the spaghetti crust until it’s firm and slightly golden before adding the filling. The cheese in the crust will also help it set and prevent sogginess.

7. Can I add more sauce on top of the pie?

Yes, you can add extra marinara sauce on top of the pie before or after baking for extra flavor and moisture. You can also drizzle some extra sauce on individual servings when serving.

8. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Absolutely! If you have a homemade marinara sauce recipe, feel free to use it in place of store-bought sauce for a more personalized touch.

9. How can I make this dish spicier?

To make it spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or mix in some diced jalapeños or a spicy sausage into the filling.

10. Can I make individual servings of Spaghetti Pie?

Yes, you can make individual servings by dividing the pasta and filling into smaller baking dishes or muffin tins. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Pie is a fun and satisfying dish that combines the best elements of pasta and baked casseroles. The crispy spaghetti crust, creamy cheese filling, and savory marinara sauce make it an irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, at a family gathering, or at a potluck, Spaghetti Pie is sure to be a hit. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, this dish is a comforting twist on traditional pasta.