Baked Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce

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)

1. Cook spaghetti until al dente.
2. Mix cooked pasta with butter, eggs, and parmesan.
3. Press into a pie dish to form a crust.
4. Spread a cheese layer over the pasta crust.
5. Cook meat sauce and spread it on top.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top and bake until golden and bubbly.
7. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1 — Prepare the Spaghetti

1. Boil water with salt.
2. Cook spaghetti until al dente.
3. Drain and cool slightly.

Step 2 — Form the Pie Base

1. In a bowl, mix butter, eggs, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss in spaghetti and coat well.
3. Press into a pie dish or 9-inch springform pan to form a nest bowl shape.

Step 3 — Add Cheese Layer

1. Combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning.
2. Spread evenly over the pasta base.

Step 4 — Make the Meat Sauce

1. Brown ground beef with onion.
2. Add garlic, marinara, and seasonings.
3. Simmer 5–10 minutes.

Step 5 — Assemble and Bake

1. Spread the meat sauce over cheese layer.
2. Top with mozzarella and optional parmesan.
3. 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.