There are few dishes that can bring people together quite like pasta. Whether it’s a bubbling lasagna, a creamy Alfredo, or a simple bowl of spaghetti with marinara, pasta is the ultimate comfort food. But when you take those familiar flavors and transform them into something new—like a pie—you create a dish that is both nostalgic and exciting.
Spaghetti Pie is exactly that: a golden crust made from spaghetti, layered with creamy ricotta, hearty meat sauce, and gooey mozzarella, all baked into one sliceable pie. It’s rustic, hearty, and designed to please everyone at the table.
If lasagna feels like too much work, spaghetti pie is its playful cousin—easier to make, just as delicious, and often more fun to serve. Imagine slicing into a pie dish and lifting out a perfect wedge of pasta, sauce, and cheese. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about spaghetti pie—ingredients, step-by-step instructions, pro tips, variations, storage, nutritional details, and answers to the most common questions. By the end, you’ll be ready to add this classic to your regular meal rotation.
Why Spaghetti Pie Deserves a Place on Your Table
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love it because it’s pasta in the form of pie. Adults love it because it’s hearty and comforting.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples—pasta, eggs, cheese, tomato sauce—and can easily be scaled up for a crowd.
- Flexible: Swap meats, change cheeses, sneak in vegetables, or make it vegetarian.
- Meal Prep Magic: Holds together beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers, lunchboxes, or freezing ahead.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or when you just want a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need (With Measurements)
Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need to make a classic spaghetti pie that serves about 6–8 people:
- Spaghetti – 12 ounces (about ¾ of a standard box)
- Eggs – 2 large, whisked (to bind the pasta crust)
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
- Butter – 2 tablespoons, melted
- Ricotta cheese – 1 cup (can substitute with cottage cheese)
- Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups, shredded
- Ground beef – 1 pound (or substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat)
- Onion – 1 medium, diced
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Pasta sauce – 2 cups (homemade or store-bought marinara)
- Diced tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz), drained
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Basil – 1 tablespoon, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
- Salt & pepper – to taste
Kitchen Tools That Make It Easier
- Deep-dish pie plate (9-inch or larger) or a springform pan
- Large pot (for cooking pasta)
- Mixing bowls (for crust and ricotta mixture)
- Skillet (for cooking meat sauce)
- Whisk and wooden spoon
- Spatula (for spreading layers)
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a deep-dish pie plate or springform pan with butter or olive oil.
2. Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
- Drain well and toss with the melted butter.
3. Make the Spaghetti Crust
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and Parmesan.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and toss until coated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of your greased pie plate, forming a crust.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Layer
- In a small bowl, combine ricotta, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly over the spaghetti crust.
5. Cook the Meat Sauce
- In a skillet, heat olive oil.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Drain excess fat, then stir in diced tomatoes and pasta sauce.
- Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
6. Assemble the Pie
- Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the ricotta layer.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
7. Bake the Pie
- Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Rest Before Slicing
- Remove from the oven and let the pie sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Pro Tips for the Best Spaghetti Pie
- Drain well: Any extra liquid will make the pie soggy.
- Let it rest: Slicing too soon will cause it to fall apart.
- Deep-dish pan: Prevents spillover of sauce and cheese.
- Make ahead: Assemble in the morning, bake at night.
- Freeze for later: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or lentils.
- Poultry version: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Gluten-free: Swap regular spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta.
- Low-carb: Replace spaghetti with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.
- Cheese twist: Use cottage cheese, cream cheese, or mascarpone for extra creaminess.
- Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.
What to Serve with Spaghetti Pie
- Garlic bread or crispy breadsticks
- Caesar salad or simple mixed greens
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or carrots
- Drinks: Pair with red wine, sparkling water, or iced tea
Storage, Leftovers, and Freezer Tips
- Refrigerator: Store slices in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the whole pie or individual slices in foil + plastic wrap. Freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual slices.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving – based on 8 servings)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: 20% DV
(Values will vary depending on ingredient choices and substitutions.)
Spaghetti Pie FAQs
1. Can I make spaghetti pie without ricotta?
Yes! Cottage cheese, cream cheese, or even a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan can be used instead.
2. Can I prepare spaghetti pie in advance?
Absolutely. Assemble it up to 24 hours before baking and refrigerate.
3. How do I keep spaghetti pie from falling apart?
Let it rest 5–10 minutes before slicing so it sets properly.
4. Can I make mini spaghetti pies?
Yes, bake them in muffin tins for individual servings—great for parties or kids’ lunches.
5. Is spaghetti pie the same as baked spaghetti?
Not exactly. Baked spaghetti is usually layered in a casserole dish, while spaghetti pie has a firm crust that holds together like a slice of pie.
6. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, swap meat with mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or plant-based crumbles.
7. How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Cover with foil and reheat in the oven, or add a splash of sauce when microwaving.
8. Can I make spaghetti pie gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta. The method remains the same.
Final Thoughts
Spaghetti Pie is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and a little creativity, you can create a dish that feels both homey and exciting. It has the familiar flavors of pasta night but presented in a fun, sliceable pie form that makes everyone at the table smile.
Whether you’re feeding a big family, planning a cozy dinner for two, or looking for a dish that reheats well for the week ahead, spaghetti pie is a recipe worth keeping in rotation. It’s flexible, affordable, and endlessly customizable—perfect for busy households or anyone who loves hearty, satisfying meals.
So the next time you crave something cheesy, saucy, and comforting, skip the lasagna and try spaghetti pie. It might just become your new favorite family tradition.
