Description
This Spaghetti Pie recipe transforms classic spaghetti into a delicious baked pasta casserole with a crispy spaghetti crust, creamy ricotta layer, savory meat sauce, and melted mozzarella topping. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, it’s an easy, kid-friendly Italian-American dish that combines comfort and convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti Crust
- 6 oz cooked spaghetti (about half a box)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ricotta Layer
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
Meat Sauce (optional)
- ½ pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 cup marinara or pasta sauce
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pie Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish to prevent sticking.
- Make Spaghetti Crust: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with beaten eggs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the spaghetti. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish to form a crust layer.
- Add Ricotta Layer: Spread the ricotta or cottage cheese evenly over the spaghetti crust, creating a smooth layer that will add creaminess.
- Prepare Meat Sauce (if using): Cook the ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked through, then drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the cooked meat until well combined.
- Assemble Meat Sauce Layer: Spread the meat sauce mixture evenly over the ricotta layer in the pie dish.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the assembled layers.
- Bake the Pie: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the spaghetti pie to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and substitute with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- This dish is great for meal prep and makes an excellent kid-friendly dinner option.
- You can use either ricotta or cottage cheese according to your preference for creaminess and texture.
- Ensure to press the spaghetti mixture well to create a sturdy crust that holds together when sliced.
