Crispy Spaghetti Pie Delight Recipe

Magical Spaghetti Pie Delight Recipe For Family Dinners

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy spaghetti pie delight delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Melted cheese, perfectly twirled pasta, and a golden crispy crust make every bite irresistible.

The recipe blends classic Italian flavors with a playful twist that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Layers of rich ingredients meld together, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting.

Baked to golden perfection, each slice promises a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

The simple yet impressive presentation ensures you’ll win over everyone at the table.

One forkful, and you’ll understand why this spaghetti pie is about to become your new dinner favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 384 kcal

Servings: 7

Spaghetti Pie Ingredients to Get Started

For Pasta Base:
  • Spaghetti Noodles: Classic pasta foundation that creates a crispy edible crust, choose high-quality pasta for best texture and flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the pasta, select unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
  • Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the pasta structure, use fresh room temperature eggs for smooth mixing.
For Protein and Sauce Layer:
  • Ground Beef: Rich protein base that provides hearty flavor, choose lean ground beef for healthier option.
  • Onions: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the meat mixture, select fresh crisp onions for maximum flavor.
  • Marinara Sauce: Provides tangy and savory sauce element, opt for authentic Italian-style sauce or homemade version.
For Cheese and Seasoning Layer:
  • Cottage Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creates creamy and tangy base layer, choose full-fat versions for richer taste.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers classic melting cheese topping, select fresh mozzarella for best melting properties.
  • Oregano, Basil: Introduces classic Italian herb aromatics, use fresh herbs when possible for more vibrant flavor.

Tools That Make Spaghetti Pie Simple

  • Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and mixing with marinara sauce.
  • 9-inch cake pan: Creates the perfect base for the spaghetti pie crust.
  • Large mixing bowl: Used for combining spaghetti noodles with butter and egg.
  • Wooden spoon: Great for stirring beef and pressing spaghetti into pan shape.
  • Separate mixing bowl: Needed for preparing cottage cheese layer.
  • Aluminum foil: Covers pie during initial baking to prevent burning.
  • Colander: Drains spaghetti noodles after cooking.
  • Cheese grater: Shreds parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
  • Measuring cups: Helps measure ingredients accurately.

How to Bake Spaghetti Pie from Scratch

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen by heating the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a cake pan and give it a quick spray to prevent any sticky situations.

  • Beef Magic

In a sizzling skillet, dance the ground beef and onions around until the meat turns a perfect brown. Drain away any extra grease and invite marinara sauce to the party.

  • Noodle Foundation

Boil spaghetti until it’s perfectly tender. Toss the noodles with melted butter, a beaten egg, and a sprinkle of parmesan to create a delicious base.

  • Crust Creation

Press the spaghetti mixture into the pan, forming a cozy nest that will cradle the delicious filling. Make sure to create a little well in the center.

  • Creamy Cheese Layer

Blend cottage cheese with herbs and remaining parmesan. Spread this dreamy mixture across the spaghetti foundation.

  • Meaty Topping

Gently pour the beef and marinara mixture over the cheese layer, creating beautiful layers of flavor.

  • Baking Finale

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then unveil and sprinkle mozzarella on top, baking for another 5 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.

  • Serving Celebration

Let the pie rest for a moment, then slice and serve this culinary masterpiece while it’s still warm and inviting.

Tips to Boost Spaghetti Pie Flavor

  • Assemble the entire spaghetti pie up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for advance meal planning.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or plant-based meat alternatives for diverse flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding sharp cheddar, provolone, or gouda to enhance the pie's richness and depth of flavor.
  • Incorporate finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the beef mixture to increase nutritional value and add extra texture.
  • Replace traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for a celiac-friendly version of this delightful dish.

Serving Ideas for Spaghetti Pie

  • Plate with Passion: Arrange slices on warm plates, showcasing the layered beauty of the spaghetti pie with its golden cheese and rich meat sauce.
  • Garnish with Gusto: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top to add a burst of color and fresh herbal notes that complement the hearty flavors.
  • Pair with Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread to balance the rich, cheesy pie and create a complete meal that delights every taste bud.
  • Complete the Experience: Add a glass of robust red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon to elevate the dining experience and bring out the deep flavors of the beef and marinara sauce.

Storing Spaghetti Pie Without a Mess

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover spaghetti pie in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining flavor and texture.
  • Quick Freeze Strategy: Wrap individual slices or the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy edges and melted cheese. Microwave works for quicker heating, but may soften the crust slightly.
  • Portion and Prep Ahead: Perfect for meal prep! Cut into individual servings before storing. This makes grabbing a quick lunch or dinner super easy during busy weekdays. Label containers with date for easy tracking.
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Crispy Spaghetti Pie Delight Recipe

Crispy Spaghetti Pie Delight Recipe


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4.5 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Spaghetti pie delight combines classic Italian pasta with comforting casserole techniques for a memorable meal. Cheese, herbs, and perfectly layered ingredients create a hearty dish home cooks will savor with pure satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
  • 6 oz (170 g) spaghetti noodles, cooked until al dente
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (preferably Rao’s)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup chopped yellow onion
  • 2 tsps dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • 2 tbsps salted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Activate the oven to 350°F (177°C) and generously spray a 9-inch cake pan with cooking spray to ensure effortless release.
  2. Meat Foundation: In a large skillet, sauté ground beef with onions, crumbling the meat until thoroughly cooked. Eliminate excess fat, then incorporate marinara sauce and reserve.
  3. Pasta Base: Boil spaghetti noodles until perfectly tender, drain completely. Merge noodles with melted butter, beaten egg, and half the parmesan cheese, creating a cohesive pasta mixture that will form the pie’s foundation.
  4. Crust Formation: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared pan, meticulously pressing and molding the noodles to craft a sturdy crust with a central reservoir for subsequent layers.
  5. Cheese Layering: Blend cottage cheese, remaining parmesan, oregano, and basil. Distribute this creamy mixture uniformly across the spaghetti foundation, establishing a rich intermediate layer.
  6. Filling Assembly: Cascade the prepared beef and marinara sauce over the cheese layer, smoothing the surface with precision to ensure even distribution.
  7. Baking Process: Shield the pie with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover, crown with mozzarella cheese, and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
  8. Serving: Allow the pie to rest for 5-7 minutes, enabling layers to harmonize. Slice and serve while warm, optionally embellishing with fresh herbs for an aromatic finish.

Notes

  • Prevent Sticking Strategically: Generously spray the cake pan to ensure easy removal and a perfectly shaped pie crust.
  • Master Meat Preparation: Drain excess fat thoroughly after browning ground beef to keep the pie from becoming greasy and maintain a clean, rich flavor.
  • Create a Sturdy Noodle Base: Press spaghetti mixture firmly against pan sides and bottom to form a solid, crispy crust that holds the layers together effectively.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Allow the pie to rest after baking, which helps layers set and makes slicing cleaner and more precise.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 384
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 653 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 106 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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