Spaghetti Pie Recipe
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti Crust:
6 ounces spaghetti
2 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
The Cheese Layer:
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
½ teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
The Meat Sauce:
1 pound lean ground beef
½ small onion, diced
14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups pasta sauce
For Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a deep-dish pie plate with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
Step 2:
Cook the spaghetti according to the instructions on the package. After draining, return it to the pot and mix in the butter until it’s melted.
Step 3:
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with the grated Parmesan cheese. Add this egg mixture to the cooked spaghetti, stirring to coat all the noodles evenly. Press the spaghetti mixture into the prepared pie plate, forming a crust.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parsley, and basil. Spread this mixture evenly over the spaghetti crust to form the second layer.
Step 5:
Heat a skillet over medium heat, then cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 6:
Stir in the diced tomatoes (drained) and pasta sauce into the skillet with the beef and onion. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 7:
Spoon the meat sauce over the ricotta cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
Notes:
Spaghetti Texture: To ensure the spaghetti crust holds together well, make sure to toss the cooked pasta with the egg and Parmesan mixture while it’s still warm. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors and stick together better.
Meat Sauce: You can customize the meat sauce by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture. You can also substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the Spaghetti Pie in advance. Assemble it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the pie with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The pie is also great for leftovers and reheats well.
Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, skip the ground beef and add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce. You could also use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 600mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 2mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use gluten-free spaghetti for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free spaghetti in place of regular spaghetti.
Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions, and the rest of the recipe will work the same way.
Can I make the spaghetti pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spaghetti pie in advance.
You can assemble it up to a day before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Just bake it for an extra 5-10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture.
Cream cheese can also be an option for a richer flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the meat sauce?
Absolutely! You can add diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Just sauté them along with the onion and ground beef.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make the Spaghetti Pie vegetarian, replace the ground beef with plant-based protein such as lentils, crumbled tofu, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
You can also load up the meat sauce with vegetables for added texture and flavor.
Can I use a regular pie dish instead of a deep-dish pie plate?
You can use a regular pie dish, but a deep-dish pie plate works better for this recipe because it allows more room for the spaghetti crust and all the layers.
If using a regular pie dish, consider reducing the amount of spaghetti to ensure it fits.
Do I need to grease the pie plate before baking the spaghetti pie?
Yes, it’s important to grease the pie plate to prevent the spaghetti crust from sticking.
You can use cooking spray, butter, or olive oil to grease the plate before adding the spaghetti mixture.
How can I prevent the spaghetti crust from becoming too dry?
To prevent the crust from becoming too dry, make sure to mix the butter and egg mixture thoroughly with the spaghetti.
Also, don’t overcook the spaghetti, as it can become too stiff.
If needed, add a little more butter for extra moisture.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat leftovers, cover the spaghetti pie with foil and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave, but the oven method helps maintain the crust’s texture.
Can I freeze Spaghetti Pie for later?
Yes, you can freeze spaghetti pie.
Once it’s fully assembled but before baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze.
When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Alternatively, you can freeze baked slices and reheat them later.