Name: Easy Spaghetti Pie- Beef & Cheese Comfort Food
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 6 ounces spaghetti, cooked al dente; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 small onion, finely diced; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained; 2 cups pasta sauce; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Spaghetti Pie is the ultimate comfort food, a delightful baked casserole that transforms humble spaghetti into something truly extraordinary. If you’re searching for a family-friendly meal that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare, then look no further! This beloved dish has a magical way of bringing people together, its cheesy, saucy, noodle-laden layers evoking fond memories and creating new ones. What makes Spaghetti Pie so special? It’s the ingenious combination of textures and flavors – the tender pasta, the rich tomato sauce, the creamy ricotta, and that irresistible golden-brown, bubbly cheese topping. It’s a dish that proves pasta can be so much more than just a side; it can be the star of a hearty, unforgettable main course. Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe for a truly spectacular Spaghetti Pie.

Ingredients:

6 ounces spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
2 tablespoons butter
2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
½ teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
1 pound ground beef
½ small onion, finely diced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups pasta sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Prepare the Spaghetti Base

Step 1: Combine Spaghetti and Binding Agents

Begin by taking your 6 ounces of cooked spaghetti. It’s crucial that the spaghetti is cooked al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will turn mushy in the pie. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked spaghetti. Next, incorporate the 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt slightly from the residual heat of the pasta. Add the 2 large eggs, which have been thoroughly beaten until their yolks and whites are fully combined. For flavor and structure, stir in the ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will not only add a salty, nutty dimension but also help bind the spaghetti together. Finally, add the 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Ricotta contributes a lovely creaminess and richness to the spaghetti base, making it a delightful foundation for the pie. Gently toss all these ingredients together until the spaghetti is evenly coated with the egg, cheeses, and butter. This mixture will form the base of your Spaghetti Pie, providing a comforting and substantial layer. Ensure you don’t overmix, as you want to keep the spaghetti strands relatively intact.

Cook the Savory Meat Sauce

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Aromatics

Now, let’s move on to creating a flavorful meat sauce. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil (olive oil is a good choice, though not explicitly listed in the ingredients, it’s a common pantry staple for sautéing) over medium-high heat. Add the 1 pound of ground beef to the hot skillet. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. You’re looking for a nice, deep brown color, which indicates good flavor development. Once the ground beef is mostly browned, add the ½ small onion, which you’ve finely diced. Sauté the onion with the beef until it becomes translucent and softened, usually about 3-5 minutes. The onion will add a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the sauce. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet to ensure your Spaghetti Pie isn’t too oily. This step is important for a cleaner, more pleasant texture.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce to Perfection

After browning the beef and softening the onions, it’s time to build the rest of the sauce. Add the 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, making sure to drain them first to avoid excess liquid. The diced tomatoes will add bursts of fresh tomato flavor and a slight texture to the sauce. Pour in the 2 cups of pasta sauce. This will be the primary liquid base for your meat sauce, providing classic Italian flavor. Now, it’s time for herbs and seasonings. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped, or if you’re using dried, add 2 teaspoons. Parsley brings a bright, fresh herbaceousness. For a hint of Italian flair, add ½ teaspoon of dried basil, or if you prefer fresh, incorporate 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a rich and delicious meat sauce that is the heart of your Spaghetti Pie. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Assemble and Bake the Spaghetti Pie

Step 4: Layer the Spaghetti Pie

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the pie from sticking. Now, it’s time to assemble. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This layer will be the foundation of your Spaghetti Pie, providing a satisfying carb base. Next, spoon about half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer. Ensure it’s spread out evenly to distribute the savory goodness. Then, sprinkle half of the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce. The mozzarella will melt and create a gooey, cheesy layer that pulls everything together.

Step 5: Complete the Layers and Bake to Golden Perfection

Carefully spoon the remaining spaghetti mixture over the mozzarella layer, gently pressing it down to create a compact second layer. This helps to hold the pie together during baking. Top this second spaghetti layer with the remaining meat sauce, spreading it out to cover the spaghetti completely. Finally, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pie. This creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust as it bakes. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top. The edges should be set and slightly crisp. Allow the Spaghetti Pie to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period is essential as it allows the pie to firm up, making it easier to cut and serve neat slices.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a delicious and comforting Spaghetti Pie ready to impress! This recipe is a fantastic way to transform leftover spaghetti into a brand-new, exciting meal. We’ve covered the steps to create a flavorful filling layered with rich marinara and gooey cheese, all bound together in a satisfying spaghetti crust. Remember, the beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

For serving suggestions, a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the richness of the Spaghetti Pie. Garlic bread is also a classic and welcome addition. If you’re looking for variations, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat to your spaghetti pie.

Don’t hesitate to make this your own! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Spaghetti Pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the process and the incredibly rewarding final product!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Spaghetti Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire Spaghetti Pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What kind of cheese is best for Spaghetti Pie?

While mozzarella is a classic choice for its meltiness, a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese offers a wonderful depth of flavor. You could also experiment with provolone or a sharp cheddar for a different cheesy profile.