Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Luscious Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe: A Family Favorite Twist

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering cheesy spaghetti pie that blends pasta and cheese into an irresistible dinner centerpiece.

The unexpected twist of turning classic spaghetti into a pie creates a delightful meal everyone will adore.

Crispy edges and a gooey interior make this dish stand out from typical pasta preparations.

Each slice promises a perfect combination of tender noodles and melted cheese that satisfies deep hunger.

The simple ingredients transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into something extraordinary.

Prepare to wow your table with this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns humble spaghetti into a culinary adventure.

You’ll want to serve this delectable pie again and again.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 10 kcal

Servings: 9

Spaghetti Pie Recipe Must-Haves

For Crust:
  • Spaghetti Noodles: The crispy base that transforms traditional pasta into a delightful pie-like texture, best when slightly overcooked and cooled.
  • Eggs: al binding agent that helps create a solid, golden-brown crust with incredible structure.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty depth and helps the crust crisp up beautifully, choose freshly grated for maximum flavor.
For Filling:
  • Ground Beef: Rich protein that brings hearty flavor, opt for lean cuts to reduce excess grease.
  • Tomato Sauce: Creates a classic Italian-style sauce, select a high-quality brand or homemade for best taste.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Creamy element that adds luxurious texture and mild tang to the filling.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Provides dreamy melting quality and stretchy cheese pull, use freshly shredded for optimal meltiness.
For Seasoning:
  • Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile, fresh cloves are always superior to pre-minced.
  • Italian Herbs: Blend of dried herbs that captures authentic Mediterranean essence, look for a mix containing basil, oregano, and thyme.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and intensify the overall taste of the pie.

Gear That Helps You Build the Perfect Slice

  • 9-inch pie dish or springform pan: Perfect for creating a beautifully shaped spaghetti pie that holds its form.
  • Large skillet: Great for cooking ground beef and mixing ingredients.
  • Mixing bowls: Essential for combining pasta, eggs, and cheese.
  • Whisk: Helps blend eggs and cheese smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Wooden spoon: Helps stir and mix ingredients while cooking.
  • Cheese grater: For freshly grated parmesan or mozzarella.

How to Make Spaghetti Pie Recipe

  • Create Pasta Base Press cooked spaghetti into a greased pie dish, forming a flat crust-like layer along the bottom and sides.
  • Mix Creamy Filling Blend ricotta cheese, eggs, and parmesan together until smooth and well combined.
  • Layer Meat Sauce Spread a rich tomato and ground beef mixture evenly over the pasta base, creating a hearty foundation.
  • Add Cheese Topping Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously across the entire surface, ensuring complete coverage.
  • Bake to Perfection Place the pie in a preheated oven and cook until the cheese melts and turns golden brown, with edges slightly crispy.
  • Cool and Serve Let the spaghetti pie rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, then slice and serve hot.

Switch Up Sauces or Cheeses for New Flavor

  • Press the spaghetti mixture firmly into the pan to create a sturdy crust that holds its shape when sliced.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like fontina, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses to add unique flavor depths to your pie.
  • Assemble the pie up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
  • Replace ground meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or meat substitutes to create a delicious vegetarian version of this classic dish.
  • Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serve Slices That Hold Their Shape

  • Pasta Paradise Plating: Serve this spaghetti pie on a rustic wooden board for a charming, homestyle presentation that showcases its golden-brown crust and inviting layers.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Transform this dish into a delightful weekend brunch centerpiece by pairing it with a fresh arugula salad and a light lemon vinaigrette that cuts through the pie's richness.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Companion: Add a side of marinara sauce for dipping, allowing guests to customize their slice with extra tangy tomato goodness and create a more interactive dining experience.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top individual slices with crispy pancetta bits or grilled chicken strips to boost protein content and add an extra layer of savory flavor to this comforting pie.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Later

  • Let the spaghetti pie rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier without falling apart.
  • Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag. Frozen spaghetti pie can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm individual slices in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness. Microwave works in a pinch, but might make the crust slightly soggy. Add a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese before serving to revive the flavors.

FAQs

  • What exactly is spaghetti pie?

A delicious pasta dish that combines traditional spaghetti with a pie-like format, creating a unique and hearty meal that can be sliced and served like a casserole.

  • Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Definitely! While mozzarella and parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste preferences.

  • Is this recipe good for make-ahead meals?

Yes, spaghetti pie is perfect for preparing in advance. You can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it before baking, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

  • How do I prevent the pie from becoming too dry?

Add a bit of extra marinara sauce, use ricotta cheese for moisture, and ensure you don’t overcook the pasta before assembling the pie. The eggs and cheese also help keep the dish moist and creamy.

Print
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Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe


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4.9 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Homemade spaghetti pie brings classic Italian comfort to dinner tables. Creamy cheese, crisp pasta crust, and hearty meat sauce combine for a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsps butter, melted
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F, creating an ideal thermal environment for baking the spaghetti pie.
  2. Pan Setup: Generously grease a 9-inch pie dish or springform pan with cooking spray, ensuring effortless pie removal.
  3. Pasta Foundation: Cook spaghetti until perfectly al dente, then combine with whisked eggs and parmesan cheese, forming a cohesive base mixture.
  4. Crust Formation: Press the spaghetti-egg blend into the prepared pan, creating a uniform, compact foundation for the pie’s layers.
  5. Cheese Layer: Spread ricotta cheese across the pasta base, followed by an even distribution of marinara sauce, establishing a rich, flavorful core.
  6. Topping Finesse: Blanket the surface with mozzarella cheese, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, melted crown.
  7. Baking Process: Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, bronzed masterpiece.
  8. Serving Ritual: Allow the pie to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, then slice and present warm, optionally garnishing with fresh basil or additional parmesan.

Notes

  • Prevent Soggy Base: Ensure spaghetti is well-drained and slightly cooled to avoid excess moisture that could compromise the pie’s structural integrity.
  • Cheese Binding Technique: Whisk eggs and parmesan thoroughly to create a strong, even coating that helps pasta hold together and prevents crumbling.
  • Temperature Control: Let the pie rest after baking to allow layers to set, making cutting cleaner and preventing the filling from running when served.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute regular cheese with low-fat or plant-based alternatives, and use gluten-free pasta for those with specific dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 10
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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