Description
This hearty Spaghetti Pie recipe combines tender spaghetti noodles with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce, layered with creamy cheeses and baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect as a comforting family meal, this dish offers a unique twist on traditional spaghetti by baking it in a deep-dish pie form that slices easily and impresses on any table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces thin spaghetti noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (16 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Cheese Mixture
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (divided)
- 3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
Instructions
- Prepare the pie plate: Spray a deep-dish pie plate with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Cook spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti noodles in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
- Make the meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until the beef is fully browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess grease.
- Simmer sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano to the cooked beef mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine noodles and cheese: While noodles are still hot, add softened cream cheese and toss until almost melted. Stir in ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup), and half of the Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup). Then fold in 2 cups of the prepared meat sauce and mix thoroughly.
- Assemble pie: Pour the spaghetti and cheese mixture into the prepared pie plate. Press the noodles evenly to form a compact pie shape. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan (1/4 cup) and Mozzarella cheese (1/4 cup) evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the pie is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top has melted and started to brown slightly.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the pie to stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve each slice topped with additional meat sauce for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious Spaghetti Pie!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and calories.
- The cream cheese helps bind the noodles, giving a rich, creamy texture.
- You can substitute part of the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- For a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce during simmering.
- Make sure to let the pie rest before slicing to allow it to set properly.
- Leftovers keep well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
