Looking for a cozy, family-friendly meal that’s equal parts hearty and fun? Say hello to Spaghetti Pie—a delicious twist on traditional spaghetti that’s baked like a casserole and served in pie slices. It’s cheesy, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep. Think of it as your favorite pasta dish meets lasagna, but with half the effort!
🧰 Recommended Kitchen Tools
- 9-inch pie dish or deep-dish baking pan
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Mixing bowls
- Skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
- Colander
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering while baking)
🛒 Ingredients
For the “Crust”:
- 6 oz (about half a box) spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- ¾ cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan, for sprinkling
👩🍳 Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a round baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return to pot. Stir in butter, beaten egg, and Parmesan cheese while the noodles are still warm. Mix until well coated.
Step 3: Create the Crust
Press the spaghetti mixture into the prepared pie dish to form a “crust” — shape it up the sides to create a well for the filling.
Step 4: Make the Meat Sauce
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Layer the Pie
- Spread ricotta (or cottage cheese) over the spaghetti crust.
- Spoon the meat sauce over the cheese layer.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
✅ Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the egg in the crust—it helps the spaghetti bind and hold its pie shape.
- Let the pie cool slightly before cutting—it will slice more cleanly.
- Use a springform pan if you want a more dramatic presentation.
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a spicy kick.
🔄 Recipe Variations
Vegetarian Spaghetti Pie
Skip the meat and load up your sauce with chopped veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Chicken Alfredo Pie
Use cooked shredded chicken and a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of red sauce for a white pie variation.
Cheesy Supreme
Add pepperoni, black olives, and sautéed mushrooms to mimic your favorite pizza flavors.
Low-Carb/Keto Option
Use spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash instead of traditional spaghetti noodles.
🍽️ Make It Fit Your Diet
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check your marinara sauce ingredients.
- Dairy-Free: Replace cheeses with plant-based alternatives and skip the butter.
- Protein Boost: Add more meat, or stir some cooked lentils into the sauce.
- Sneak in Veggies: Finely chopped spinach, carrots, or zucchini can be mixed into the meat sauce without altering flavor too much.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze fully baked and cooled spaghetti pie slices for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven (covered with foil) at 350°F until heated through.
🍝 Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty dish with:
- A crisp Caesar salad
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
❤️ Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Pie
- Easy to make and family-approved
- Budget-friendly with ingredients you already have
- Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
- Customizable with endless flavor variations
- Turns leftover spaghetti into something brand new
📌 Final Thoughts
Spaghetti Pie is one of those humble, comforting meals that never goes out of style. It’s warm, cheesy, packed with flavor, and just the right amount of fun. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just want something easy and delicious, this dish delivers every time.
Try it once, and you’ll see why Spaghetti Pie is a classic worth keeping in rotation. Perfect for weeknights, family gatherings, or when you’re craving pasta with a twist!
