Description
A delicious and comforting Spaghetti Pie featuring a crispy spaghetti crust layered with creamy ricotta cheese, savory meat sauce, and a bubbly mozzarella topping. This baked pasta dish combines classic Italian flavors into a unique and satisfying pie perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Spaghetti Crust:
- 6 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups pasta sauce
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a deep-dish pie plate thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and return it to the pot. Stir in the butter while the spaghetti is still warm until it melts and coats the pasta evenly.
- Prepare Crust: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese. Pour this mixture over the buttered spaghetti and toss well to coat all strands. Press the spaghetti mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the greased pie plate to form a crust.
- Make Cheese Layer: In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with chopped parsley and basil. Spread this cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti crust, creating a smooth layer.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and pasta sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Assemble Pie: Spoon the warm meat sauce evenly over the ricotta cheese layer in the pie plate.
- Bake the Spaghetti Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the pie and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly to set before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty spaghetti pie.
Notes
- Drain the canned diced tomatoes well to avoid making the meat sauce too watery.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef for a lighter version.
- Fresh herbs can enhance flavor but dried herbs work well too.
- Make sure to press the spaghetti crust firmly to help it hold together during baking.
- Let the pie rest for at least 5 minutes after baking to help with slicing clean pieces.
