Spaghetti Pie Recipe – Easy Cheesy Baked Pasta Casserole for Family Dinners
Samantha
This baked spaghetti pie recipe is a cozy, sliceable pasta casserole layered with tender spaghetti, creamy ricotta, hearty meat sauce, and melty mozzarella. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, freezer-ready, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Comfort Food, Dinner
Cuisine American, Italian-Inspired
Servings 8 servings
Calories 430 kcal
- 12 oz spaghetti cooked and cooled slightly
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley optional garnish
Step 1: Cook and Cool the PastaBoil the spaghetti just until al dente, then drain and let it cool for a few minutes. Step 2: Make the Spaghetti CrustIn a large bowl, mix the spaghetti with ricotta, eggs, half the parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Press into a greased pie dish or springform pan. Step 3: Prepare the Meat SauceIn a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, add the marinara sauce, and simmer for 5 minutes. Step 4: Layer the PieSpread the meat sauce over the spaghetti crust. Top with mozzarella and remaining parmesan. Step 5: Bake and ServeBake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Secret Tips for the Best Ever Spaghetti Pie
1. Use slightly undercooked pasta: Boil your spaghetti just shy of al dente. It will continue cooking in the oven, soaking up all that delicious sauce without turning mushy.
2. Let it rest before slicing: After baking, let your spaghetti pie sit for at least 10–15 minutes. This helps it set up, so each slice holds together beautifully.
3. Layer strategically for maximum flavor: Spread a thin layer of marinara on the bottom of the dish before adding the pasta mixture—this creates a flavorful, saucy base that prevents sticking and boosts moisture.
4. Add a touch of garlic butter to your pasta base: Mixing a spoonful of melted garlic butter into the spaghetti before baking adds richness and depth to every bite.
5. Mix cheeses for better melt and stretch: Blend shredded mozzarella with provolone or fontina for that ultra-gooey, melty finish that pulls like a dream with every forkful.
6. Bake uncovered for a crispy top: Want that golden, cheesy crust on top? Skip the foil. If it browns too quickly, loosely cover the pie halfway through baking.
7. Freeze it like a pro: This dish freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze the whole pie—or cut into individual slices for easy reheating on busy nights.
8. Elevate your sauce with seasoning: Add Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, or a touch of fennel seed to your marinara before mixing it in. These little upgrades take a basic jarred sauce to next-level flavor.Keyword baked spaghetti casserole, cheesy pasta pie, easy weeknight pasta bake, family dinner pasta recipe, freezer friendly pasta pie, leftover spaghetti bake, make ahead spaghetti pie, spaghetti casserole with ricotta, spaghetti pie recipe, spaghetti pie with meat sauce
