Easy Spaghetti Pie Recipe – Perfect for Family Dinners
Are you looking for a delicious and creative twist on traditional spaghetti? This Easy Spaghetti Pie Recipe combines the comforting flavors you love with a visually stunning presentation perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With a crispy spaghetti crust, creamy ricotta filling, and savory layers of marinara and mozzarella, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for picky kiddos or entertaining friends, Spaghetti Pie is here to save the day with its simple preparation yet impressive results.
Not only does this recipe deliver on taste, but it also scores high in convenience. Using pantry staples and a quick preparation process, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. It reheats beautifully and can be easily customized to suit different dietary preferences or flavor profiles. Let’s dive into the details and discover why Spaghetti Pie is a must-have recipe in your repertoire!
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A delightful blend of savory marinara, cheesy goodness, and lightly seasoned ground beef.
- Texture: A variety of textures from the firm spaghetti crust to creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella.
- Aroma: Rich and comforting scents of oregano, garlic, and melted cheese.
- Visual Appeal: A vibrant, golden cheese topping with fresh basil accents.
- Skill Level Needed: Easy – ideal for beginner cooks.
- Special Equipment: A 9-inch pie pan and skillet.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Easy enough for weeknight dinners or beginner-level cooks.
- Category: Main course, baked pasta dish.
- Cuisine: Italian-American fusion.
- Cost: Budget-friendly, requiring common pantry ingredients and affordable protein.
- Season: Best enjoyed year-round, ideal for cooler seasons due to its comforting nature.
- Occasion: Family dinners, potlucks, special weeknight meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Taste-wise, this Spaghetti Pie hits all the right notes. The perfectly seasoned beef and marinara combination, paired with luscious layers of cheese, creates a harmony of delicious flavors that everyone at the table will appreciate. The crispy spaghettified crust adds an unexpected yet satisfying bite.
It’s incredibly convenient to make, with minimal prep time thanks to pantry and fridge essentials. Plus, you can double the recipe for potlucks or freeze it for later, making it a meal-planning superstar. Furthermore, this dish delivers balanced nutrition while satisfying those hearty comfort food cravings.
Socially, it’s also a major conversation starter! Its pie-like presentation with spaghetti as a crust always draws oohs and ahhs, and it’s easy to slice and serve with no mess. This makes it perfect for entertaining, casual get-togethers, or even meal prepping.
Lastly, Spaghetti Pie is a budget-friendly recipe that stretches affordable ingredients like pasta and marinara into a dish that feels indulgent. It’s a clever way to serve your family with minimal spending but maximum impact.
The Recipe
Easy Spaghetti Pie
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9-inch pie pan
- Medium-large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch pie pan with olive oil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Combine with olive oil, grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Press the mixture into the pie pan, forming a crust.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper, then drain excess fat. Stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce and heat until warmed.
- Layer ricotta cheese over the spaghetti crust evenly. Spoon the beef mixture on top, spreading it out carefully. Add the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place the pie pan on a baking sheet to catch drips. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool for 5 minutes before slicing to make serving easier. Top with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot.
Recipe Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- Feel free to use your favorite pasta sauce or add garlic for additional flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe? Absolutely! Just ensure the gluten-free pasta is cooked al dente to hold its shape better.
Can I make this ahead? Yes! Assemble the pie up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Join the Conversation
Share your Spaghetti Pie creations on social media using #SpaghettiPie, and let us know how you enjoyed this hearty, comforting dish. We love seeing your variations, so feel free to get creative!
