Name: Baked Spaghetti Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 ounces Spaghetti (try whole grain, protein or gluten-free); 16 ounces ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, etc.); 14 ounces Italian sausage (bulk, or links, skins removed); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion (yellow or sweet, chopped); 5 cloves Garlic (minced); 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (canned, organic preferred); 2 tablespoons Tomato paste; 2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; 3 large eggs (beaten, room temperature); ½ cup parmesan cheese; 4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened) or substitute with equal amounts of Ricotta or cottage cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup Italian cheese blend (optional); Fresh basil (chiffonade into strips, optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 20 reviews

Oh, friends, if you thought spaghetti was just for a quick weeknight dinner, wait until you try this Baked Spaghetti Pie Recipe! It takes that familiar, comforting taste of classic spaghetti and transforms it into an impressive, hearty pie that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as delicious leftovers. Rich meat sauce, a blend of cheeses, and tender pasta all baked together create a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you taste this, Baked Spaghetti Pie Recipe will become your new go-to comfort food with an irresistible twist.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a flat top-down view of various ingredients for a pasta dish arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center, uncooked yellow spaghetti strands lie horizontally across the scene. Surrounding the spaghetti are clear glass bowls and white plates holding different ingredients: shredded white mozzarella cheese and Italian blend cheese in glass bowls, bright red crushed tomatoes and dark red tomato paste in small glass bowls, a block of creamy white cream cheese in a glass bowl, finely chopped white onion in a glass bowl, golden olive oil and a small pat of pale yellow butter each in small white bowls. There are two white plates with raw ground beef and Italian sausage, both pinkish red with textured meat strands. A small white bowl holds grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, while salt and Italian seasoning—with green and white specks—are combined in a glass bowl. Finally, a dark wooden bowl contains three white eggs. The whole setup is clean and organized, with labels on each ingredient in bold white text with black outlines, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your hands on simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create this magical Baked Spaghetti Pie Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the savory meat mixture to the creamy cheeses and aromatic seasonings, coming together in perfect harmony.

Spaghetti (16 ounces): The base of your pie, choose whole grain, protein-enriched, or gluten-free to suit your preferences.

Ground beef (16 ounces): Adds meaty richness; you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Italian sausage (14 ounces): Provides bold, spiced flavor that makes this pie unforgettable.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing and adding a fruity depth.

Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds silky richness when cooking onions and garlic.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Brings sweetness and aroma to the sauce.
Garlic (5 cloves, minced): A classic flavor booster.
Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): Forms the heart of the rich, tangy sauce.

Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates tomato flavor for depth.
Italian seasoning (2 tablespoons + more): Packed with herbs and paprika for warmth and complexity.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors perfectly.
Eggs (3 large, beaten): Bind the pasta and sauce together into a beautiful sliceable pie.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a sharp, nutty note that brightens the dish.

Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Creates a luscious creamy layer; ricotta or cottage cheese work wonderfully too.
Mozzarella (1 cup shredded): Melts beautifully to add gooey, stretchy texture.
Italian cheese blend (½ cup, optional): For extra cheesy goodness on top.

Fresh basil (optional): Chiffonade strips sprinkled over the pie for a fresh finish.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-10 inch springform pan or a deep 9-inch pie plate. If your springform pan isn’t leakproof, wrap it in foil and place on a sheet pan to catch any drips. This prep will ensure your pie bakes perfectly without any mess.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Brown the Meat

While your oven warms up, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and just start browning, about 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, then add ground beef and Italian sausage. Break the meat apart and cook until nicely browned. This step builds layers of flavor that make the sauce unforgettable.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then stir in Italian seasoning and kosher salt. Let everything simmer gently on low heat to marry the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly. The slow simmer creates a rich, hearty sauce that coats every bite of pasta.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain but keep it ready to mix with the sauce. Perfectly cooked pasta ensures the pie holds together while still being tender.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce

Reserve 2 cups of the meat sauce to set aside for topping later. Add the remaining meat sauce to the drained spaghetti and stir in parmesan cheese until the noodles are evenly coated. This layers the flavors beautifully throughout the pie.

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs for Binding

Beat the eggs separately, then slowly temper them by whisking in a bit of meat sauce to prevent curdling. Stir the tempered eggs into the spaghetti mixture. This step is key to achieving the perfect pie texture where every slice holds firm.

Step 7: Assemble the Pie Layers

Pour the spaghetti mixture into your prepared pan, pressing down gently to compact it evenly. Slice the cream cheese and spread it on top, or dollop ricotta or cottage cheese evenly if you prefer. This creamy layer adds a luxurious richness that balances the savory sauce.

Step 8: Finish with Meat Sauce and Cheese, Then Bake

Pour the reserved meat sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and the optional Italian cheese blend over the top, then dust with a little extra Italian seasoning. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until the edges turn crispy and the cheese bubbles deliciously. Let the pie rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow it to set and ensure clean cuts.

How to Serve Baked Spaghetti Pie Recipe

The image shows a round, layered spaghetti pie on a white plate, placed on a brown wooden surface with green basil leaves and parsley as decoration. The bottom and middle layers are made of spaghetti mixed with a red meat sauce, showing scattered bits of ground meat and tomato pieces tightly packed in loops. The top layer is a thick, golden-browned melted cheese with small patches of green herbs sprinkled across it. The whole dish has a neat, firm shape with the noodles visible along the sides and the creamy cheese layer covering the top smoothly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil chiffonade sprinkled on top adds a bright and fragrant note that contrasts beautifully with the rich baked pie. A light drizzle of good olive oil can also enhance the flavor and add a subtle shine to each slice.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds freshness, while some garlic bread or warm focaccia invites you to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts bring color and a nice textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual mini Baked Spaghetti Pies using muffin tins for a fun twist at parties or weeknight dinners. Alternatively, top your pie with a fried egg for brunch or drizzle with chili flakes for an exciting kick. Presentation can be as creative as you want with this versatile dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Spaghetti Pie Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it just as delicious, if not more, the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze individual slices or the whole pie wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese starts bubbling again. For quicker options, use a microwave but cover the pie to keep it moist and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this Baked Spaghetti Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free spaghetti works wonderfully and makes this dish accessible for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to follow the package’s cooking instructions and use a sturdy gluten-free brand.

Is it okay to substitute ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or even chicken can be used to lighten the dish. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly as leaner meats cook faster and you might want to add a bit more seasoning for depth.

Can I prepare this Baked Spaghetti Pie Recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely assemble the pie the day before and refrigerate it overnight. Then just bake it fresh when you’re ready. This makes it an excellent option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

What cheeses work best in this recipe?

Mozzarella and parmesan are classics for a reason—they melt well and have great flavor. Cream cheese adds creaminess, but ricotta or cottage cheese are great alternatives if you want a lighter texture. Feel free to experiment with your favorite Italian cheese blends.

How do I prevent the bottom from getting soggy?

Make sure to press the pasta mixture firmly into the pan and use a leakproof springform pan or well-greased pie dish. Letting the pie rest before cutting also helps excess moisture settle so that your slices are clean and firm.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Spaghetti Pie Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone who loves hearty Italian flavors presented with a comforting twist. It’s a delightful way to impress family or friends, and equally satisfying for cozy nights in. Once you try it, I promise this pie will hold a special place in your cookbook and heart—give it a go and prepare to savor every slice!

Baked Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need