Spaghetti Pie
Spaghetti Pie is one of those rare dishes that perfectly blends comfort with creativity. With its hearty ingredients and delicious flavors, this American-Italian delight transforms your everyday spaghetti into a whimsical pie that’s fun to serve and even better to eat. Each slice reveals layers of melted cheese, savory meat sauce, and a beautiful golden pasta crust that elevates the humble noodle into something truly special.
Table of Contents

I first stumbled upon Spaghetti Pie while searching for something new to make for family dinner night. Everyone was tired of the same old spaghetti and meatballs, and I wanted to find a way to surprise them. When I pulled that cheesy, bubbly masterpiece from the oven, the look on their faces was priceless. If you’re ready for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that might just become your new family favorite, this one is for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This dish comes together in around an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: Flavorful layers of meat sauce and rich cheeses create a comforting dish everyone loves.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Spaghetti Pie takes the classic spaghetti dish and turns it into an impressive pie that’s sure to wow guests.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it for dinner, lunch, or even as leftovers for breakfast. It’s a versatile find!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily substitute ground meats for vegetarian proteins or use gluten-free pasta for a delicious alternative.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This melty cheese adds that gooey, comforting layer on top. Feel free to use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- 6 ounces spaghetti: Traditional spaghetti works perfectly here, but you can also substitute with whole-grain or gluten-free options.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used to coat the spaghetti, helping to create a rich crust while adding flavor. Always opt for unsalted butter to keep control over the salt content.
- 2 large eggs: These bind the crust together, giving it a delightful texture. Bring them to room temperature for the best results.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp flavor that complements the milder flavors in the dish brilliantly. Grate your own for the freshest taste.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and rich, it provides a lovely filling. You can substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter version.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley: A bright herb that adds freshness. Use fresh whenever possible for a vibrant flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh: Basil brings an aromatic depth; use whichever you have on hand.
- 1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage: This hearty protein adds richness to the dish. You can also use turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, vegetarian option.
- ½ small onion, diced: A foundational flavor that adds depth to your meat sauce.
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained: These give a fresh taste while providing liquid for the sauce. Feel free to use fresh tomatoes if you have them on hand.
- 2 cups pasta sauce or marinara sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade sauce. Look for one that’s low in sugar and high in flavor for the best results.
How to Make Spaghetti Pie
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. While it heats, grease a deep-dish pie plate to ready it for the delicious filling.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat, and add the diced onion, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes). Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and pasta sauce, letting the mixture simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until it thickens.
- Prepare the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Once done, drain well to avoid any excess moisture.
- Form the Spaghetti Crust: Add the cooked spaghetti to the greased pie plate. Toss it with butter until coated, then mix in the eggs and parmesan cheese. Press the spaghetti mixture down to form a solid crust along the bottom and sides of the pie dish.
- Fill the Pie: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parsley, and basil. Spread this cheese mixture evenly into the formed spaghetti crust. Top it with the meat sauce from the skillet, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake: Place the filled pie in the preheated oven (uncovered) and bake for 20-25 minutes. Once the time is up, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers, let the Spaghetti Pie cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, slice the pie into portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe container, where they can last up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through. The texture may change slightly when reheated, but it still makes for an excellent meal!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the spaghetti; it should be firm (al dente) since it will bake further in the oven.
- For a richer flavor, consider caramelizing the onion before adding the meat.
- If you love extra cheesiness, sprinkle more mozzarella on top in the last few minutes of baking.
- If using a different type of ground meat, adjust the cooking time as necessary and ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Don’t skip letting it rest before slicing; this helps everything set and makes serving easier.
- Experiment with adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the meat sauce for an extra nutritional boost.
Spaghetti Pie is the kind of dish that draws everyone around the table, sharing laughter and filling up plates. With its hearty flavors and comforting textures, each slice serves up nostalgia and warmth. Feel free to get creative—add your favorite ingredients, or even switch up the cheeses to find your perfect balance. Enjoy this delightful dish with friends and family; it’s bound to impress!

Recipe FAQs
Can I make Spaghetti Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire Spaghetti Pie ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve for the best results!
Can I substitute the meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version. Just ensure any substitutions are cooked properly before adding them to the pie.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie should be bubbling around the edges, and the cheese on top should be golden brown. Let it rest before serving for easier slicing.
What can I serve with Spaghetti Pie?
A simple green salad or garlic bread makes excellent side dishes. Feel free to pair with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pie!
PrintMore Main Dishes Recipes
- Baked Meatball Recipe (with The Best Marinara Sauce)
- Creamy Garlic Pasta | 30-Minute Easy Pasta Dinner
- Homemade Spaghetti Carbonara | Authentic Roman 5-Ingredient Pasta
- Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
- Creamy Pesto Chicken
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card

Spaghetti Pie
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Savor the delightful flavors of Spaghetti Pie, a comforting dish featuring layers of spaghetti, rich meats, and a cheesy topping. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s the ideal choice for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh
- 1 pound lean ground beef or italian sausage
- ½ small onion diced
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes drained
- 2 cups pasta sauce or marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a deep-dish pie plate.
- Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat and drain any fat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Then, add tomatoes and pasta sauce, simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or until thickened.
- In a large pot of salted water, cook the spaghetti al dente according to package directions. Drain well.
- Place the spaghetti in the prepared pie plate, add butter, and toss until coated. Stir in eggs and parmesan cheese, pressing to form a crust.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parsley, and basil. Spread this mixture into the spaghetti crust. Top with the meat sauce.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Add mozzarella on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is browned and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Ensure spaghetti is not overcooked for the best crust texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
