If you have a soft spot for cheesy, comforting Italian flavors wrapped up in a fun and unique presentation, you are going to adore this Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe. Imagine all the best parts of a hearty spaghetti dinner transformed into a sliceable pie that’s as delightful to serve as it is to eat. This dish combines creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, perfectly seasoned meat sauce, and tender spaghetti into layers of pure joy that come together to make an unforgettable meal perfect for family dinners or impressing friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the creamy cheeses adding richness and moisture to the herb-infused meat sauce giving a savory depth, while the spaghetti acts as the perfect base holding everything together with wonderful texture and heartiness.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides a smooth and creamy filling that brightens the dish.
- Cream cheese: Adds extra richness and helps the cheese layer stay luscious.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors throughout the dish.
- Dried basil, parsley, and oregano: Bring aromatic, classic Italian herb notes to the recipe.
- Pepper: Offers just the right hint of warmth and bite.
- Spaghetti: The star pasta, cooked al dente to hold texture in the pie.
- Butter: Coats the spaghetti for richness and tenderness.
- Eggs: Act as a binder, holding the pasta crust together.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and depth.
- Ground beef: Forms a hearty, savory filling base for the meat sauce.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and complexity when caramelized with beef.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with mellow pungency and warmth.
- Hot sauce: A subtle accent that enriches flavor without heat.
- Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami for a wonderfully complex meat sauce.
- Italian seasoning: Blends multiple herbs for extra depth and fragrance.
- Marinara sauce: The tomato base that ties all components together.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible golden, gooey topping.
How to Make Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Cheese Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a deep 9 or 10-inch pie pan. This ensures your pie doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. While the oven warms, mix together ricotta, cream cheese, and all the dried herbs and seasonings to create a fragrant, creamy cheese layer that will perfectly balance the meaty richness later. Having everything measured out at this stage makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Brown the Beef with Onions
Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then cook in a hot skillet along with diced onions. This 7 to 10-minute process not only browns the meat for deep flavor but also softens those onions, releasing their natural sweetness. Be sure to break up the meat as it cooks for even texture and drain any excess grease afterward to keep the pie from getting oily.
Step 3: Build Your Meat Sauce
Lower the heat and add garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning to that beef and onion mixture. Cooking it briefly unlocks those aromatic flavors. Pour in your marinara sauce and let it simmer gently to combine everything into a cohesive, savory sauce that tastes like a big Italian hug.
Step 4: Cook Spaghetti to Perfection
Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti until just al dente—this ensures the noodles will hold up during baking without becoming mushy. Drain thoroughly but keep the pasta warm for the next step.
Step 5: Coat Spaghetti in Butter and Cheese
In the hot pot, toss the pasta with butter and Parmesan cheese. This coats the noodles in buttery richness and adds a subtle nutty tang, which forms the foundation for your spaghetti crust. Then, mix in the beaten eggs—it’s a clever way to bind the pasta into a solid, sliceable base once baked.
Step 6: Add the Meat Sauce to Spaghetti
Take about one and a half cups of your simmering meat sauce and stir it into the spaghetti mixture until every strand is coated with that flavorful, saucy goodness. Remove from heat to start assembling your masterpiece.
Step 7: Create the Spaghetti Crust
Press the spaghetti and meat mixture firmly into your greased pie pan, forming an even, compact crust that will hold all the layers beautifully. This creates a foundation perfect for all the tasty toppings to come. Don’t be shy about pressing it down—you want the pie to stay together when sliced.
Step 8: Layer Cheese Mixture and Remaining Sauce
Next, spread your herbed ricotta and cream cheese blend evenly over the pasta crust. Then, dollop the remaining meat sauce on top, spreading it out to cover. These layers add rich, creamy, and tangy contrasts that make every bite exciting and luscious.
Step 9: Top with Mozzarella
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the top layer. This cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crown that invites you in with irresistible aroma and visual appeal.
Step 10: Bake Your Cheesy Spaghetti Pie
Place the assembled pie in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the cheese has melted fully and the entire dish is piping hot. If you want a gorgeously browned top, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
Step 11: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once baked, allow your spaghetti pie to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This step is key, giving the layers time to firm up for clean slices and enhanced flavors when plated.
How to Serve Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil on top gives a burst of color and herbaceous brightness that balances the richness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dusting of Parmesan can elevate each slice to restaurant-quality presentation effortlessly.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with simple, crisp sides such as a fresh green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or steamed garlic broccoli. These lighter accompaniments refresh the palate and complement the hearty, cheesy flavors without overwhelming the star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try making individual mini spaghetti pies using muffin tins—perfect for parties or lunches. You can also serve slices with a side of warm garlic bread or a small bowl of marinara for dipping to enhance the Italian comfort food experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Cheesy Spaghetti Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to 3 to 4 days and actually tastes great reheated as the flavors meld even more over time.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, either as a whole pie or in individual slices. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen spaghetti pie keeps well for up to 2 months, making it a perfect make-ahead comfort meal.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted again. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick, cozy meal, though the oven method helps retain the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully as a crust base, other long pastas like linguine or fettuccine can be used. Just be sure to cook them al dente and follow the binding steps carefully to hold your pie together.
Is it possible to make the Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. Just season well and proceed with the recipe as usual to maintain that comforting, savory vibe.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess, but you can substitute it with an equal amount of ricotta or mascarpone. The texture might be slightly different, but the pie will still be delicious.
Can I prepare the pie in advance and bake it later?
Definitely. Assemble the pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it ideal for prepping ahead for busy weeknights or special occasions.
How do I get a crispy crust on my spaghetti pie?
Press the spaghetti mixture firmly into the pan to compact it well, and make sure not to add too much sauce at the bottom. Using a buttered pan and broiling briefly at the end also helps develop a nice golden crust.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving this Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe a try whether you’re craving an inventive twist on classic spaghetti or just love dishes packed with gooey cheese and hearty meat sauce. It’s a joy to make, fun to serve, and even better to eat. Trust me, once it’s on your table, it’s going to become an instant favorite you’ll turn to again and again.
Print
Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A savory and hearty Cheesy Spaghetti Pie combining perfectly seasoned ground beef and rich cheeses baked to bubbly perfection in a comforting pie form. This dish features layers of al dente spaghetti mixed with a flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta and cream cheese blend, finished with a golden mozzarella topping. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 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 and Sauce
- ½ lb. spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 eggs, whisked
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 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
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a deep 9 or 10-inch pie pan or a 2 to 2 ½ quart baking dish. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, cream cheese, and dried herbs and seasonings. Set aside. Gather and measure all other ingredients before starting.
- Cook Ground Beef: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the beef and diced onions, and cook for 7-10 minutes until browned and cooked through, breaking the beef apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Add Seasonings and Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, then stir in minced garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add marinara sauce, stir to combine, and simmer uncovered on low while preparing the spaghetti.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and return pasta to the pot off the heat.
- Mix Spaghetti with Butter and Eggs: Add butter and Parmesan cheese to the hot spaghetti, tossing thoroughly to coat. Add the whisked eggs and toss again to combine well.
- Combine with Meat Sauce: Stir 1 ½ cups of the meat sauce into the spaghetti mixture until fully incorporated. Remove pot from heat.
- Assemble Pie Base: Transfer the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture into the prepared pie pan, pressing down firmly to form an even, compact crust layer.
- Add Cheese Layer and More Sauce: Spread the ricotta and cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti crust. Top with the remaining meat sauce, spreading evenly to fill the pan.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of sauce and cheese mixture.
- Bake: Place the pan uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and hot. Optionally, broil at 450°F for a few minutes for a golden-brown finish, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the spaghetti pie from the oven and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to firm up before slicing. This resting step ensures the best texture and flavor when serving.
Notes
- Make sure to press the spaghetti mixture firmly into the pan to create a sturdy crust layer that holds together well.
- Broiling is optional but gives a beautiful golden brown top to the cheese; watch closely to avoid burning.
- Allowing the pie to rest after baking helps it set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for best flavor and melting quality.
- This recipe can be customized with additional vegetables or substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
