Spaghetti Pie
A hearty and comforting casserole with a unique spaghetti crust, filled with a rich meat sauce and three kinds of cheese. This baked spaghetti pie is a family-favorite dinner that's perfect for using up leftover pasta.
For 8 servings
8 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot.
- 3
Step 3
- a.While the spaghetti is hot, add the melted butter, beaten eggs, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Toss quickly and thoroughly to combine. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie plate to form a crust.
- 4
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat
- a.Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and garlic, cooking and breaking up the meat until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Stir the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, sugar (if using), 1 tsp salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the beef. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- 6
Step 6
- a.To assemble the pie, spread the ricotta cheese in an even layer over the bottom of the spaghetti crust. Pour the meat sauce over the ricotta. Top evenly with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Remove from the oven and let the pie rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This is crucial for the slices to hold their shape.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use thin spaghetti for a crust that holds together better and forms a more compact base.
- 2Letting the pie rest for 10 minutes after baking is crucial. It allows the cheese and sauce to set, so you can cut clean, beautiful slices.
- 3Drain the ground beef thoroughly after browning to avoid a greasy filling.
- 4For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top before serving.
- 5This dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the ground beef with 1 pound of chopped cremini mushrooms, a 15-ounce can of rinsed lentils, or your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Opt for part-skim ricotta and mozzarella to reduce the fat content.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce along with the other seasonings for a touch of heat.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Simply substitute the spaghetti with your favorite brand of gluten-free spaghetti. Ensure it's cooked al dente so it holds its shape in the crust.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The combination of ground beef and three types of cheese provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Excellent Source of Calcium
With ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is packed with calcium, a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Provides Sustained Energy
The spaghetti base is rich in complex carbohydrates, which are broken down slowly by the body to provide a steady and lasting source of energy.
Contains Lycopene
The cooked tomato sauce and diced tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and is linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
A single slice of this Spaghetti Pie contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the ground beef and cheese.