Description
This Cheesy Spaghetti Pie is a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti, combining a crispy spaghetti crust with a rich meat sauce, creamy cheese layer, and gooey mozzarella topping. Perfect for a comforting family meal that brings classic Italian flavors together in a visually impressive and delicious pie.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Layer
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Spaghetti Crust
- ½ lb. spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 eggs, whisked
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb. ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (doesn’t add spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 24 oz. marinara sauce
Cheese Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and mix with the butter while still hot to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the spaghetti crust: In a large bowl, combine the buttered spaghetti with whisked eggs and parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure the eggs coat the pasta, which will help the crust hold together.
- Make the meat sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in marinara sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Mix the cheese layer: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, salt, dried basil, parsley, oregano, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble the pie: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a pie dish or baking pan. Press half of the spaghetti mixture evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides to form a crust.
- Add cheese and meat sauce layers: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti crust, then layer the meat sauce on top of the cheese layer.
- Top with remaining spaghetti and cheese: Press the remaining spaghetti mixture over the sauce to seal it. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and golden brown and the pie is heated through.
- Serve: Allow the pie to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving to help it set for easier portions.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase the marinara and cheese layers.
- Make sure to cook spaghetti al dente to ensure the crust holds up well during baking.
- Letting the pie rest after baking helps it set and hold together when sliced.
- Use fresh herbs if available to enhance the flavor further.
