Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe

If you have been hunting for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that marries the best of pasta, cheese, and savory meat sauce, this Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked spaghetti baked into a golden crust, ooey-gooey melted mozzarella, and a rich, herby meat sauce all coming together in one spectacular pie that tastes like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a true weeknight hero, ideal for feeding a family or impressing guests without any fuss. Trust me, once you make this Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe, it will become your go-to for cozy dinners and special occasions alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that each add their own magic, building layers of flavor and texture that turn everyday pantry staples into a memorable meal. From the creamy ricotta blend that brings smoothness, to the perfectly seasoned meat sauce packed with aromatics, every item plays a crucial role in the success of your Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe.

• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, mild base that balances the rich meat sauce perfectly.
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese: Brings extra smoothness and a subtle tang to the cheese layer.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
• ½ teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery herb note.
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley: Lends a fresh, bright flavor and a hint of color.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Brings warmth and a classic Italian seasoning touch.
• ¼ teaspoon pepper: Provides subtle heat to balance the cheese and sauce.
• ½ lb spaghetti: The pasta base that forms a sturdy crust when combined with eggs and cheese.
• 3 tablespoons butter: Coats the spaghetti to add richness and helps create that golden crust.
• 2 eggs, whisked: Bind the pasta together so the pie holds its shape perfectly.
• ½ cup parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and depth to the pasta mixture.
• 1 lb ground beef: Forms the hearty center of the meat sauce with robust flavor.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Key for seasoning the ground beef just right.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced: Brings natural sweetness and aromatics to the meat sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds savory depth and a little bit of personality.
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Gives tang and complexity without heat, rounding out the sauce perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami and adds subtle tang.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Supports the overall Italian flavor profile with a blend of herbs.
• 24 oz marinara sauce: The rich, tomato base that brings everything together.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully into a golden, bubbly topping that everyone craves.

How to Make Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Step 1: Preparation

Before you start cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a deep 9 or 10-inch pie pan or a similarly sized baking dish. Next, mix the ricotta, cream cheese, and your dried herbs and seasonings in a medium bowl. This cheesy blend will be the luscious middle layer, so giving it a good stir ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Also, take a moment to measure out all your ingredients — prepping upfront will make the whole process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

Season your ground beef generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the beef along with diced onions, and cook until the meat is browned through and the onions soften, about 7 to 10 minutes. Breaking up the meat as you go helps distribute the flavors evenly. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to keep the sauce from being too oily.

Step 3: Simmer Meat Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Cook these together for about two minutes to let the flavors bloom. Then stir in your marinara sauce, reduce the heat to low, and let it gently simmer uncovered. This slow simmer concentrates the flavors, creating that signature rich sauce that the Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe is known for.

Step 4: Cook Spaghetti

While your sauce simmers, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until just al dente — tender but still firm to the bite. This texture is crucial because it holds up baking without turning mushy. Drain the spaghetti well and return it to the warm pot to continue to the next step.

Step 5: Mix Pasta Crust

To your hot spaghetti, add the butter and parmesan cheese, then toss until every strand is nicely coated with buttery goodness. Next, pour in your whisked eggs and toss again to combine thoroughly. The eggs are the magic binding agent here, helping the pasta solidify into a crust that holds together beautifully during baking.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce

Stir about 1 ½ cups of your simmered meat sauce right into the spaghetti mixture, blending everything completely. This incorporation adds moisture and flavor into the pasta crust layer, making each bite savory and tender. Once combined, remove the pot from the heat, signaling that you’re ready to assemble the pie.

Step 7: Assemble Base Layer

Transfer your spaghetti and meat sauce mixture into your prepared pie pan or baking dish. Press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands to create an even, packed crust layer. This step helps the pie maintain its shape when sliced, giving those satisfying edges perfect for serving.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Sauce Layers

Spread the ricotta and cream cheese mixture evenly over your pasta crust. This creamy layer is what elevates the pie into something extra special by introducing softness and mild richness. Carefully spoon on the remaining meat sauce on top. It might seem like a lot, but trust me, the pan can hold it and the layers will meld into pure deliciousness during baking.

Step 9: Top with Mozzarella

Finally, sprinkle your shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface, ensuring a blanket of melty cheese that will brown beautifully in the oven. Mozzarella’s gooey stretchiness is an absolute must-have that makes this Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe feel indulgently comforting.

Step 10: Bake

Bake your assembled pie uncovered for 30 minutes until the mozzarella is fully melted and the cheese is hot throughout. For a gorgeous golden-brown top, you can switch to broil at 450°F for a few minutes—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. This finishing touch not only adds appealing color but also a slight crispiness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy layers below.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the spaghetti pie rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This waiting time allows the pie to firm up so it slices cleanly, giving you those perfect portions. Plus, resting helps all the flavors settle, making each bite tastier and more harmonious.

How to Serve Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes can brighten this hearty dish wonderfully. Freshly chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness. A light dusting of additional grated parmesan lends a sharp finishing touch. For those who love a little zing, a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add flavorful excitement.

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads featuring tangy vinaigrettes to contrast the creamy and savory richness. Steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add wonderful texture and color to the plate while keeping things light. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also make fantastic companions, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual mini spaghetti pies in muffin tins — perfect for parties or portion control. Alternatively, layer the pie with different cheeses or roasted vegetables inside to make it your own signature dish. Serving with a side of herbed sour cream or a tangy tomato chutney can introduce exciting new flavor dimensions. No matter how you present it, this recipe’s appeal shines through.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you probably will), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for a fantastic next-day meal that reheats beautifully.

Freezing

You can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil or freeze the entire assembled pie before baking. Frozen portions stay good for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

For the best taste and texture, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbling—about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to avoid drying out, and remove it toward the end for a fresh cheesy top. Microwave works in a pinch but may make the crust less crisp.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this pie?

While spaghetti creates the classic structure for this pie, you can experiment with other long pastas like linguine or even short pasta such as penne. Just keep in mind that the texture and binding might change slightly depending on the pasta’s shape and size.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat crumbles or extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant. This still delivers plenty of flavor and heartiness while making it vegetarian-friendly.

Can I prepare the pie ahead and freeze before baking?

Yes, assembling the pie and freezing it before baking saves time on busy days. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to baking time if needed to ensure it’s heated through.

What is the secret to getting a firm crust with spaghetti?

Adding eggs to hot spaghetti and pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps bind the pasta strands together to create that firm crust you want in this pie. The parmesan and butter also contribute to texture and flavor that hold up in baking.

Can I substitute mozzarella for other cheeses?

Mozzarella is wonderful for its meltability and mild flavor, but feel free to mix in provolone, fontina, or even a sharper cheese like cheddar depending on your preference. Just remember to adjust quantities so the pie doesn’t get too dry or too greasy.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough to make on a busy evening yet special enough to serve when you want to impress family or friends. The layers of pasta, meat sauce, cheese, and herbs create a symphony of flavors that’s deeply satisfying and comforting. I promise once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the deliciously cheesy magic!

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