Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe transforms basic spaghetti into a creative and satisfying casserole that’s easy to make, serve, and enjoy. It’s perfect for feeding a family, meal prepping, or bringing to a potluck. Spaghetti Pie also reheats beautifully, making it just as delicious the next day. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable and guaranteed to please even picky eaters.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
spaghetti
eggs
grated Parmesan cheese
ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
shredded mozzarella cheese
ground beef or Italian sausage
onion (diced)
garlic (minced)
marinara or pasta sauce
salt
black pepper
Italian seasoning
fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or round baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti with beaten eggs and Parmesan cheese. Press this mixture into the prepared dish to form a “crust.”
- In a skillet, cook ground beef or sausage with diced onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread ricotta or cottage cheese over the spaghetti crust.
- Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the cheese layer.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce.
- Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Four-Cheese Pie: Add provolone or fontina for an extra-cheesy version.
- Mini Pies: Make individual portions using a muffin tin for fun, portable servings.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and confirm your sauce is gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes per slice. For best texture, use the oven or a toaster oven.
FAQs
What is spaghetti pie?
Spaghetti pie is a baked pasta casserole made with a spaghetti “crust,” layered with cheese, meat sauce, and more cheese—similar to a lasagna but shaped like a pie.
Can I use leftover spaghetti?
Yes! Leftover plain spaghetti works perfectly. Just mix it with the egg and Parmesan to form the crust.
Is ricotta or cottage cheese better?
Both work well—ricotta is richer, while cottage cheese is lighter and has a mild flavor. Use what you prefer.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pie and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze spaghetti pie?
Yes, bake it first, let it cool completely, then freeze tightly wrapped. Reheat in the oven from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
What sides go well with spaghetti pie?
Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I keep the crust from falling apart?
Let the pie cool slightly before slicing, and be sure to mix the spaghetti well with the eggs and cheese.
Can I use a different pasta?
Spaghetti works best, but you can try thin linguine or angel hair in a pinch.
What kind of meat works best?
Ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage all work well. You can even mix meats for added flavor.
Can I make it without meat?
Absolutely. Just skip the meat and use extra sauce or vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
Spaghetti Pie is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that turns everyday ingredients into something special. With its cheesy layers, hearty meat sauce, and golden spaghetti crust, it’s a fun twist on traditional pasta that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning for leftovers, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every slice.
PrintSpaghetti Pie
Spaghetti Pie is a baked pasta casserole with a crispy spaghetti crust, creamy cheese layers, and savory meat sauce—all topped with gooey mozzarella. It’s a comforting, sliceable twist on classic spaghetti night.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 to 8
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish or round baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti with beaten eggs and Parmesan cheese. Press into the prepared dish to form a crust.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage with diced onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread ricotta or cottage cheese over the spaghetti crust.
- Top with the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Let the pie rest before slicing for cleaner servings.
- Use leftover spaghetti to save time.
- Ricotta offers a creamier texture; cottage cheese gives a lighter bite.
- Make it ahead and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.
- To freeze, bake first and cool completely before wrapping and freezing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg