If you’re looking for a comforting, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing dinner, this Baked Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce is exactly what you need. Imagine everything you love about classic spaghetti—but elevated and baked into a golden, sturdy, sliceable pie with layers of pasta, cheese, marinara meat sauce, and ricotta or cottage cheese. It combines the joy of pasta with the structure and flair of a casserole, making it perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or leftovers that taste even better the next day.
This dish offers the familiarity of traditional Italian-American cuisine but with a creative twist. The spaghetti nest forms a delicious base, the creamy cheese layer adds richness, and the bubbly meat sauce topping ties everything together into a satisfying meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s:
✔ A fun twist on a classic
✔ Perfect for meal prep
✔ Comforting and hearty
✔ Family, kid, and freezer friendly
✔ Ideal for serving to guests
One bite feels like a warm hug—rich, flavorful, and satisfying.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- It transforms a simple pasta dish into an elevated baked entrée.
- Holds its shape when sliced—almost like lasagna but easier.
- Great for using leftovers or pantry ingredients.
- It’s versatile—you can customize it with veggies, different cheeses, or proteins.
Recipe Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Course | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Italian-American |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40–45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour–1 hour 5 min |
| Servings | 6–8 slices |
| Calories | ~480 calories per serving (approx.) |
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti Pie Base
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Cheese Layer
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Additional parmesan (optional)
Cooking Directions (Overview)
- Cook spaghetti until al dente.
- Mix cooked pasta with butter, eggs, and parmesan.
- Press into a pie dish to form a crust.
- Spread a cheese layer over the pasta crust.
- Cook meat sauce and spread it on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella over the top and bake until golden and bubbly.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1 — Prepare the Spaghetti
- Boil water with salt.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente.
- Drain and cool slightly.
Step 2 — Form the Pie Base
- In a bowl, mix butter, eggs, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Toss in spaghetti and coat well.
- Press into a pie dish or 9-inch springform pan to form a nest bowl shape.
Step 3 — Add Cheese Layer
- Combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread evenly over the pasta base.
Step 4 — Make the Meat Sauce
- Brown ground beef with onion.
- Add garlic, marinara, and seasonings.
- Simmer 5–10 minutes.
Step 5 — Assemble and Bake
- Spread the meat sauce over cheese layer.
- Top with mozzarella and optional parmesan.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Step 6 — Cool and Serve
Let rest 10 minutes so it firms up for slicing.
How to Serve
Serve hot in slices like pie. Pair it with:
- Garlic bread
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- A glass of red wine (optional)
Recipe Tips
✔ Use a springform pan if you want clean pie-like slices.
✔ Don’t skip letting it cool—this helps it set.
✔ Add extra mozzarella toward the end for a browned top.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based crumbles.
- Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or spicy Italian sausage.
- Three-Cheese Version: Use ricotta, provolone, and asiago.
- Chicken Spinach: Replace beef with shredded chicken and add fresh spinach.
Freezing & Storage
| Method | Shelf-Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerate | 3–4 days |
| Freeze (whole or slices) | Up to 3 months |
| Reheat | Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes |
Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers.
Special Equipment Needed
- 9-inch deep pie dish or springform pan
- Oven
- Large saucepan
Conclusion
Baked Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—a flavorful twist that transforms ordinary pasta night into something special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting friends, or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers warmth, flavor, and timeless satisfaction. Every slice feels like a celebration.
Baked Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce
Description
If you're looking for a comforting, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing dinner, this Baked Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce is exactly what you need. Imagine everything you love about classic spaghetti—but elevated and baked into a golden, sturdy, sliceable pie with layers of pasta, cheese, marinara meat sauce, and ricotta or cottage cheese.
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti Pie Base
Cheese Layer
Meat Sauce
Topping
Instructions
-
Step 1 — Prepare the Spaghetti : Boil water with salt. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and cool slightly.
-
Step 2 — Form the Pie Base : In a bowl, mix butter, eggs, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Toss in spaghetti and coat well. Press into a pie dish or 9-inch springform pan to form a nest bowl shape.
-
Step 3 — Add Cheese Layer : Combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning. Spread evenly over the pasta base.
-
Step 4 — Make the Meat Sauce : Brown ground beef with onion. Add garlic, marinara, and seasonings. Simmer 5–10 minutes.
-
Step 5 — Assemble and Bake : Spread the meat sauce over cheese layer. Top with mozzarella and optional parmesan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
-
Step 6 — Cool and Serve : Let rest 10 minutes so it firms up for slicing.
