Get ready to twirl your fork into layers of cheesy spaghetti and savory meat sauce—comfort food at its finest! This baked spaghetti pie is like your favorite Italian dinner transformed into a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The crispy spaghetti crust holds a creamy ricotta layer, while a rich tomato–meat sauce seeps into every nook and cranny before it’s crowned with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table pause mid-conversation, fork suspended in midair, until they take that first glorious bite.
Whether you’re cooking for a family weeknight meal or entertaining friends on the weekend, this intermediate-level recipe delivers an unforgettable combination of textures and flavors. In just 15 minutes of prep and about 40 minutes of baking time, you’ll have a hearty pie that rests for 10 minutes to set perfectly. Each slice clocks in around 560 calories—just enough to satisfy big appetites without going overboard. Packed with ground beef, ground pork, fragrant herbs, and creamy cheeses, this dish checks all the comfort-food boxes while still feeling special enough for company.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BAKED SPAGHETTI PIE WITH MEAT SAUCE AND CHEESE
To make this layered masterpiece, you’ll gather pantry staples and fresh ingredients that each play a starring role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you need and why each item matters:
- Spaghetti
Serves as the sturdy yet delightfully crispy crust, providing a familiar pasta base that holds the pie together.
- Olive Oil
Adds a touch of fruity richness and prevents sticking when sautéing and greasing your pie dish.
- Ground Beef
Brings savory depth and hearty texture to the meat sauce, ensuring each bite is satisfyingly meaty.
- Ground Pork
Adds extra juiciness and a slightly sweeter flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- Onion
When finely chopped and softened, releases natural sweetness and builds the aromatic foundation of the sauce.
- Garlic Cloves
Minced garlic infuses a warm, pungent flavor that elevates the tomato sauce to irresistible levels.
- Dried Oregano
Offers an earthy, herbal note reminiscent of classic Italian cooking.
- Dried Basil
Contributes a sweet, peppery flavor that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- Salt
Enhances all the flavors, bringing out the natural tastes of meat, cheese, and pasta.
- Black Pepper
Provides a subtle kick and a hint of warmth to the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
For those who enjoy a little heat, these flakes add a spicy dimension without overpowering.
- Tomato Sauce
The core of the meat sauce, offering bright acidity and rich tomato flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese
Creates a creamy, slightly sweet layer that contrasts beautifully with the tangy sauce.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection on top and within the ricotta layer.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkles a nutty, salty punch that rounds out the cheesy topping.
- Large Egg
Binds the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan mixture into a cohesive layer.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley
Adds a pop of herbal freshness and a touch of color to the ricotta filling.
HOW TO MAKE BAKED SPAGHETTI PIE WITH MEAT SAUCE AND CHEESE
Ready to roll up your sleeves and build this delicious pie? Follow these step-by-step instructions that guide you from a simple pasta crust to a bubbling, golden-topped masterpiece.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your pie assembly is complete.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and pork, breaking them up with a spoon, and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Mix in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir thoroughly to coat the meat and onions in herbs and spices.
6. Pour in the tomato sauce, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich meat sauce.
7. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix well until smooth.
8. Grease a 9-inch pie dish and spread the cooked spaghetti evenly to form a firm crust layer.
9. Spread the ricotta mixture over the spaghetti crust, smoothing it into an even layer.
10. Pour the meat sauce over the ricotta layer, spreading it gently to cover every edge.
11. Top the pie with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a beautifully bubbly finish.
12. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, golden, and bubbly.
13. Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing to help it set and make serving easier.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BAKED SPAGHETTI PIE WITH MEAT SAUCE AND CHEESE
Once your spaghetti pie emerges from the oven with its cheeses melted into glorious golden bubbles, it’s time to plan the perfect presentation and accompaniments. Serving this dish right can elevate it from a simple family meal to a showstopping centerpiece. Here are some ideas to make sure every slice shines:
- Side Salad with Zesty Vinaigrette
Pair each pie slice with a crisp salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber ribbons, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette. The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the cheeses and meat sauce.
- Garlic Butter Breadsticks
Warm, homemade breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan offer a satisfying way to mop up any leftover sauce on the plate.
- Roasted Vegetables
A medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and rosemary, brings color and nutrition that complement the hearty pie.
- Fresh Herbs Garnish
A final touch of chopped fresh basil or parsley sprinkled over each slice adds a bright flavor pop and makes your dish look gourmet.
HOW TO STORE BAKED SPAGHETTI PIE WITH MEAT SAUCE AND CHEESE
Proper storage is key when you want to enjoy this baked spaghetti pie again tomorrow or later in the week. Keeping the textures and flavors intact requires a few simple steps, whether you’re refrigerating, freezing, or reheating. Here’s how to make sure every bite remains as delicious as the first:
- Refrigeration
Allow the pie to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When ready to eat, reheat individual slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing
For longer storage, cool the pie fully, then wrap it in a double layer of freezer-safe plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
- Individual Portions
Slice the cooled pie into servings, then wrap each slice in parchment paper and seal in a zip-top bag. This method makes it easy to pull out exactly what you need for a quick lunch or dinner.
- Reheating Tips
To retain the crust’s crispness, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes rather than using a microwave. If the cheese topping seems dry, add a light sprinkle of water in a small oven-safe dish beside the pie to create steam.
CONCLUSION
We’ve taken you on a flavorful journey from how to assemble a spaghetti crust to layering creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and ooey-gooey cheese into one impressive pie. This baked spaghetti pie recipe is the ultimate comforting dish that feels special yet remains easy enough for a weeknight. With just 15 minutes of hands-on prep, 40 minutes of baking, and a 10-minute rest, you’ll serve up a dish that magically blends crispy textures, rich tomato–meat sauce, and three types of cheese into every satisfying bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or planning ahead for a make-ahead meal, this recipe offers plenty of flexibility—swap in ground turkey, stir in a splash of red wine for depth, or prepare it a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until baking.
Print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder for easy reference, or bookmark it on your device to bring out whenever you need reliable comfort food. You can also find a FAQ below to help answer any lingering questions you may have about ingredients, substitutions, or technique. If you give this baked spaghetti pie a try, we’d love to hear from you—drop a comment, share your tweaks, or ask any questions if you need help along the way. Your feedback helps make this recipe even better for the next cook who dives in. Buon appetito!
Baked Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese
Description
This hearty pie features a crispy spaghetti crust layered with creamy ricotta, rich tomatomeat sauce, and bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan. Every slice offers a perfect blend of textures and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and pork, breaking them up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
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Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
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Mix in dried oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well.
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Pour in the tomato sauce, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Mix well.
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In a greased 9-inch pie dish, spread the cooked spaghetti evenly to form a crust.
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Spread the ricotta mixture over the spaghetti crust evenly.
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Pour the meat sauce over the ricotta layer, spreading it smoothly.
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Top the pie with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Note
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Adding a touch of red wine to the meat sauce can enrich the flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
