Description
This delightful Spaghetti Pie combines classic Italian flavors in a unique baked dish. Featuring a spaghetti crust enriched with butter, egg, and Parmesan, layered with creamy ricotta seasoned with Italian herbs, a savory meat sauce made from ground beef and marinara, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting family meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti Crust
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 2 Tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Ricotta Layer
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Topping and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Spaghetti: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
- Make Spaghetti Crust: In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with melted butter to coat evenly. Stir in the beaten egg and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pie dish to form a solid crust base.
- Prepare Ricotta Layer: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning until blended. Spread this mixture evenly over the spaghetti crust in the pie dish.
- Cook Meat Sauce: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess grease. Add the marinara sauce to the beef and let it simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the warm meat sauce over the ricotta layer in the pie dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes to set. Garnish the top with freshly chopped parsley or basil before slicing and serving. Enjoy your hearty spaghetti pie!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider using freshly grated Parmesan and homemade marinara sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to lighten the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Ensure spaghetti is cooked al dente to maintain good texture after baking.
