Spaghetti Pie
Spaghetti Pie provides a creative twist on your traditional pasta dish, transforming it into a delectable pie that feels both homey and impressive. This delightful recipe combines the familiar flavors of spaghetti and meat sauce, layered together into a unique pie format, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. You’ll discover a crispy, cheesy crust made from spaghetti that blankets a rich filling of savory meat sauce and creamy cheeses, making every bite utterly satisfying.
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When I first stumbled upon this recipe a few years back, it became an instant family favorite. It beautifully combines the classic Italian comfort of spaghetti with the convenience of a pie layout, making it a fun and hands-on meal to prepare. Whether you are feeding a crowd or simply looking for a hearty meal to satisfy your cravings, Spaghetti Pie ticks all the boxes. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This dish comes together in about an hour, making it easy for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich marinara, seasoned meat, and creamy cheeses creates a flavor explosion.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The presentation is fun, and it’s sure to impress your family and guests.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or even as leftovers for lunch!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Swap out beef for turkey or use gluten-free pasta to make this dish adaptable to various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This cheese brings gooey, melty goodness. Feel free to use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra flavor!
- 6 ounces spaghetti: Any pasta shape can work, but spaghetti adds to the classic feel of the dish. Use gluten-free spaghetti if needed.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Butter adds richness to the spaghetti crust, allowing it to hold together beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs bind the spaghetti together, creating that signature pie crust. Make sure they’re at room temperature for better mixing.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: This cheese adds a wonderful savory flavor to the crust. Freshly grated is best but pre-grated will do in a pinch.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy ricotta adds lovely texture and richness to the filling. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a vegan ricotta alternative.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the dish and enhance the flavor. Use dried if that’s what you have on hand.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh: This herb adds a classic Italian notes. Fresh basil will elevate the dish even more.
- 1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage: The choice of meat provides hearty protein and flavor. Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for a lighter option.
- ½ small onion, diced: Onions contribute sweetness as they cook down in the sauce. Yellow or white onions work beautifully.
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained: These add flavor and moisture to the sauce. You can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer.
- 2 cups pasta sauce or marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce, or make your own for a homemade touch!
How to Make Spaghetti Pie
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming, grease a deep-dish pie plate to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat, then add the diced onion and cook until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the drained canned tomatoes and pasta sauce, allowing it to simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes or until it thickens up a bit.
- Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of salted water, cook the spaghetti al dente according to package directions. Once done, drain it well, letting steam escape.
- Prepare the Crust: Place the drained spaghetti in the greased pie plate. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the hot spaghetti and toss until combined, ensuring each strand is coated. Stir in the eggs and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, mixing until evenly incorporated. Press the spaghetti mixture firmly to form an even crust at the bottom and up the sides of the plate.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, and basil until well combined. Spread this cheese mixture evenly across the spaghetti crust, creating a creamy layer.
- Layer the Meat Sauce: Spoon the thickened meat sauce over the ricotta layer, spreading it out evenly for a perfect mix of flavors.
- Bake: Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. After bubbling and slightly golden, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Storing & Reheating
For any leftovers, let the pie cool completely before storing it at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours. After that, it’s best in the fridge and should be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze Spaghetti Pie for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through, though keep in mind that texture might be slightly different after freezing. Consider refreshing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure the spaghetti is well-drained after cooking to prevent a soggy crust.
- For a veggie twist, throw in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach with the meat sauce.
- If you love herbs, mix in some Italian seasoning into your ground meat for an added punch.
- If your eggs are cold, consider placing them in warm water for a few minutes beforehand; this helps them mix into your crust better.
- This recipe can easily be made ahead of time; prepare it the night before, cover it tightly, and simply bake it when you’re ready!
The beauty of Spaghetti Pie lies in its versatility and comfort. With inviting layers of pasta, cheese, and savory sauce, each piece serves up an abundance of flavor that will make your mealtime feel special. I encourage you to add your personal touch or try out new cheeses, sauces, or veggies.
Enjoy this delightful recipe with your loved ones and watch it disappear off the table!

Recipe FAQs
Can I make Spaghetti Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pie a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge, then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
What pasta can I use in this recipe?
While spaghetti reigns supreme, you can use other pasta shapes like linguine, penne, or even rotini to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
How do I avoid a soggy crust?
Make sure to drain the spaghetti very well after cooking, and avoid overcooking your pasta. It should be just al dente so that it holds its shape well during baking.
Can I make Spaghetti Pie vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the meat entirely or replace it with lentils or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version. Add extra veggies to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition!
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📖 Recipe Card

Spaghetti Pie
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Spaghetti Pie is a delightful twist on classic pasta, combining layers of flavors from ground beef, rich cheeses, and herbs. It’s an easy dish perfect for busy weeknights, promising a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh
- 1 pound lean ground beef or italian sausage
- ½ small onion diced
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes drained
- 2 cups pasta sauce or marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a deep-dish pie plate.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once browned, drain any excess fat, add the diced onion, and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Then, stir in the drained tomatoes and pasta sauce; simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until thickened.
- In a pot of salted water, cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions; drain well afterward.
- Place the drained spaghetti into the prepared pie plate, add butter, and toss until fully coated. Then, mix in the beaten eggs and grated parmesan cheese, pressing the mixture to form a crust.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parsley, and basil. Spread this cheese mixture into the spaghetti crust, followed by the meat sauce.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Afterward, top with mozzarella cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and browned. Allow resting for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
You can customize the toppings by adding vegetables or other cheese varieties.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
