Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe

If you love comfort food with a twist, then this Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s like all your favorite Italian flavors wrapped up in one cheesy, saucy pie that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or savoring leftovers all week long. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time — the crispy spaghetti crust, the rich meat sauce, and that ooey-gooey cheese topping just hit all the right spots. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key for this Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe. Each component plays a role — the cheeses add creaminess and flavor, while the meat sauce is robust and packed with Italian seasoning. I like to use good-quality marinara and freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.

• Ricotta cheese: This creates the creamy cheese layer and balances the rich meat sauce perfectly.
• Cream cheese: Adds extra smoothness to the cheese layer; softens the ricotta.
• Spaghetti: The foundation of your crust – be sure not to overcook it so it firms up nicely in the oven.
• Butter: Helps toss the spaghetti for a rich flavor and a golden crust.
• Eggs: Bind the spaghetti together to form a solid crust for the pie.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty flavor and helps the crust crisp up beautifully.
• Ground beef: I prefer lean beef for a hearty, less greasy sauce.
• Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, savory base for the meat sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings depth and warmth.
• Hot sauce: Don’t worry, it won’t make it spicy — it just enhances flavor complexity.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a nice savory kick to the meat sauce.
• Italian seasoning: The perfect herby blend to tie everything together.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for rich tomato flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: For the gooey, melty topping that makes every slice a winner.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it to fit different tastes and dietary needs — and honestly, the variations are half the fun. Feel free to customize it with what you have on hand or what your family prefers!

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based crumbled meat substitute — you won’t miss the meat at all!
• Spicy Kick: If you want a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to your sauce. Just a pinch turns this into a lively dinner.
• Cheese Variations: Try mixing in provolone or fontina with the mozzarella on top for different melty textures and flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti and double-check your marinara sauce’s ingredients to make it safe for gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Cheese Layer and Preheat

I start by combining the ricotta, cream cheese, salt, and herbs in a medium bowl. Mixing this up early means it’s ready to go when you need it. Meanwhile, set your oven to 350°F, and make sure you have your pie pan or baking dish greased and ready — this dish can get full and sticky, so a little butter or non-stick spray helps a ton in cleanup!

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

Season your ground beef with salt and pepper and cook it over medium-high heat along with diced onion, breaking it apart as it browns. Once the beef is cooked and no pink remains, I drain the excess fat — this keeps the dish from getting greasy. Then, I reduce the heat, stir in garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning, letting it cook for about two minutes to get fragrant. Adding marinara last, I let everything simmer gently so the flavors marry well.

Step 3: Boil and Prepare the Spaghetti Crust

While the meat sauce simmers, boil salted water and cook your spaghetti just until al dente — you want a little bite because it’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain and return the pasta to the warm pot. Stir in butter and freshly grated Parmesan while it’s hot, then carefully mix in whisked eggs to bind everything together. This step is where the magic of the crust happens; make sure the eggs coat the spaghetti evenly so it holds together nicely in the pie form.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Take about 1½ cups of your meat sauce and mix it into the spaghetti. Press this mixture firmly into your prepared pie pan so that it forms a firm, packed crust at the bottom. Spread the creamy ricotta and cream cheese layer over this, then carefully spoon the remaining meat sauce on top — yes, your pie pan will be quite full, but that’s the point! Finally, top everything off with shredded mozzarella cheese for that golden, melty finish.

Step 5: Bake and Set

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes until the cheese is hot and bubbly. If you want a beautifully browned top, pop the pie under the broiler for a few minutes — but watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Once baked, my favorite part is letting it sit for 10-15 minutes so it sets up perfectly and slices cleanly, making it easier to serve and just downright enjoyable to eat.

How to Serve Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or basil on top right before serving to brighten up all that cheesy richness. Sometimes, a touch of grated Parmesan on each slice enhances the flavors too. If you want to take it up a notch, a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper adds a nice finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or a simple garlic sautéed spinach also complement the dish beautifully. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, garlic bread or a crusty baguette complements the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve individual mini pies using muffin tins — just scale down the portions and bake for less time. This is such a fun way to impress guests and makes portion control a breeze. Another trick I’ve tried is layering additional veggies like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers between the spaghetti and cheese layers for a colorful surprise inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I tightly cover leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container and refrigerate. This pie keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, maintaining its flavor and texture nicely.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing this spaghetti pie — assemble it fully but don’t bake, then cover tightly with foil and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking, and follow the baking instructions. Freezing helps save time on busy nights and keeps the flavors locked in beautifully.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the pie loosely with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through (usually about 20 minutes). This method helps keep the cheese melty without drying out the pasta. Microwave works in a pinch, but I find the oven keeps the texture best.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I genuinely recommend you give it a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone together over great food and happy memories. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a week of easy meals, this recipe delivers big on flavor and comfort every time. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and bake this gem–I promise it’ll make your kitchen smell incredible and your heart full!

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