This Easy Spaghetti Pie is the perfect combination of comfort food and Italian flavors, offering a rich, cheesy filling with a satisfying, baked spaghetti crust. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
8 oz spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup marinara sauce
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish or any similar baking dish.
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, I drain it and toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking. I set the pasta aside.
In a large skillet, I cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat, breaking it apart as it browns. After the meat is browned, I add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Then, I stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if I want a bit of heat). I season with salt and pepper to taste and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes. Once done, I remove it from the heat.
In a large bowl, I combine the cooked spaghetti, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and egg. I stir until everything is well mixed.
I spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly into the greased pie dish. Next, I top it with the meat sauce, followed by the remaining spaghetti mixture.
I bake the pie in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, and the pie is heated through.
Once done, I let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian: I can easily swap out the ground beef or turkey for a plant-based meat alternative or more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Cheese Lovers: Add more mozzarella or even provolone for an extra cheesy experience.
Spicy: If I enjoy heat, I can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for an extra kick.
Gluten-Free: I could try using gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish gluten-free for anyone who needs it.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I store leftover spaghetti pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I place a slice in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make Spaghetti Pie ahead of time?
Yes, I can assemble the pie a day before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as directed.
Can I freeze this dish?
I can freeze the spaghetti pie before baking, but it’s best to bake it first, cool it down, and then freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
What kind of pasta can I use instead of spaghetti?
I can substitute spaghetti with any pasta I prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time to the type of pasta I choose.
Can I make this dish without ricotta cheese?
Yes! If I don’t have ricotta, I can substitute it with cottage cheese or skip it entirely. The mozzarella and Parmesan still provide plenty of cheesy goodness.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s not inherently spicy, but I can easily adjust the heat by increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or adding spicy ingredients like crushed red chili peppers to the sauce.
Conclusion
This Easy Spaghetti Pie is everything I want in a comfort meal—cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s a great way to use basic ingredients to create something that feels like a treat. Whether I make it for a busy weeknight or serve it for a family dinner, this dish never disappoints.
Recipe:
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Easy Spaghetti Pie
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Easy Spaghetti Pie combines comfort food with Italian flavors, offering a cheesy, satisfying baked spaghetti crust. It’s an easy, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. With savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses, this one-dish meal will become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients
8 oz spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup marinara sauce
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
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Cook spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
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In a large skillet, cook ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat, breaking apart as it browns. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (optional). Season with salt and pepper and simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat.
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In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg. Stir until well mixed.
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Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in the greased pie dish, top with the meat sauce, and layer with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
You can substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or vegetables for a vegetarian version.
For extra cheesy flavor, feel free to add more mozzarella or even provolone cheese.
Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce.
Gluten-free spaghetti can be used for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal
