If you love pasta, cheese, and all things comfort food, then you are going to absolutely adore this Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe. It’s like your favorite Italian meal in a single, impressive pie form, boasting layers of savory meat sauce, creamy herbed ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella that come together to create a dish packed with flavor and heartwarming satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe brings a joyful twist to classic spaghetti, turning it into something festive, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious.

Ricotta cheese in a small white bowl with creamy texture, dollops of smooth cream cheese nearby, various small glass bowls containing dried basil, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper powders with fine textures, uncooked golden-yellow spaghetti strands fanned out neatly, a pat of rich butter wrapped in paper, two fresh brown eggs cracked open showing bright yolks beside whole eggs, grated parmesan cheese in a small heap with a slightly crumbly texture, raw ground beef in a rustic ceramic bowl with deep red color, diced yellow onion pieces scattered with translucent layers visible, peeled garlic cloves and minced garlic piled softly, a small dish filled with vibrant red marinara sauce, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce bottles with rich dark colors, Italian seasoning herbs in a tiny bowl with mixed green hues, a pile of shredded mozzarella cheese fluffy and pure white, all ingredients carefully spaced and balanced on a clean white marble surface adding contrast and brightness, subtle natural daylight casting soft shadows enhancing textures and colors, minimalistic style with some fresh basil sprigs and a wooden spoon included for warm touch, overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making your Cheesy Spaghetti Pie shine. Each element in this list plays a vital role, from the aromatic herbs that brighten the flavor to the rich cheeses that provide that luscious texture and the hearty beef that makes it a meal worth savoring.

Ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, mild base that contrasts beautifully with the tomato sauce.
Cream cheese: Blends perfectly with ricotta to give a rich, smooth layer of cheese.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish.
Dried basil: Brings a sweet, peppery herbal note essential to Italian dishes.
Dried parsley: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and lovely green flecks.
Dried oregano: Provides that classic Italian seasoning punch.
Pepper: Grounds the flavors with a mild kick.
Spaghetti: The star pasta, cooked al dente to keep texture in the pie.
Butter: Coats the spaghetti for richness and helps bind ingredients.
Eggs: Act as a natural binder, keeping the pie’s layers intact.
Parmesan cheese: Imparts a nutty, salty depth to the pasta.
Ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a savory base for the meat sauce.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Season the beef perfectly.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with beef.
Garlic: Offers aromatic warmth, essential in Italian cooking.
Hot sauce: Enhances flavor complexity without heat.
Worcestershire sauce: Introduces subtle tang and umami richness.
Italian seasoning: A blend that ties all herbs and spices together delightfully.
Marinara sauce: The comforting tomato base that coats the entire pie.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a bubbly, gooey cheese topping.

How to Make Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cheese Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a deep pie pan or baking dish to prevent sticking. Mix the ricotta, cream cheese, and the dried herbs with salt and pepper in a bowl, creating a flavorful, creamy layer that will beautifully complement the meaty base. Also, make sure to have all other ingredients at the ready so everything flows smoothly.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion

Season the ground beef with salt and pepper and brown it in a skillet with diced onion over medium-high heat. Breaking up the meat as it cooks ensures even browning and tenderness. Once cooked, drain the excess fat to keep the pie from becoming greasy but retain all the rich flavors nestled within the beef and onions.

Step 3: Build the Meat Sauce

Lower the heat and add minced garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning to your beef mixture. Let it cook while stirring to release all the wonderful aromas. Pour in your marinara sauce, stir everything together, and simmer gently, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully while you cook your pasta.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. This is crucial—as the noodles will continue to cook inside the oven, you don’t want them too soft or mushy. Drain thoroughly and return the pasta to the pot, ready for the next flavor-boosting step.

Step 5: Add Butter, Parmesan, and Eggs to Pasta

While the pasta is still warm, toss it with butter and Parmesan cheese to coat each strand with creamy richness and depth of flavor. Then, whisk the eggs and mix them into the pasta to help bind the pie layers, making sure everything is combined evenly for the perfect texture.

Step 6: Combine Meat Sauce with Pasta

Mix 1 ½ cups of the meat sauce with the spaghetti in the pot until fully incorporated. This step infuses the pasta with the savory sauce and ensures every bite will have that comforting, rich flavor you crave from the Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe.

Step 7: Create the Spaghetti Crust Layer

Transfer the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture into your prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly to create a compact crust that will hold its shape once baked. This crust forms the base that supports the layers above and delivers a hearty, pasta-packed foundation.

Step 8: Layer the Cheese Mixture

Evenly spread the ricotta and cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti crust. This creamy layer adds a luscious contrast to the savory meat base and acts as the middle layer that keeps the pie moist and flavorful.

Step 9: Add Remaining Meat Sauce and Mozzarella

Top the cheese layer with the rest of the meat sauce, packing the pie full of meaty goodness. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top. This final cheese layer will melt and bubble in the oven, creating the irresistible golden topping that makes this pie so visually and gastronomically satisfying.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the mozzarella melts fully and the pie is heated through. For a deliciously golden and bubbly crust, you can optionally broil for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point is simply unbeatable.

Step 11: Rest Before Serving

Removing from the oven, allow your pie to sit for 10-15 minutes to firm up. This crucial resting time lets the layers set beautifully, making it easier to slice through the pie and serving up perfect portions that hold together and tantalize with every cheesy, savory bite.

How to Serve Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley can elevate your Cheesy Spaghetti Pie with a burst of fresh color and flavor. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives an optional kick. These simple touches enhance presentation and add an inviting freshness to your plate.

Side Dishes

This hearty pie pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette, providing a fresh and light contrast to the dense, cheesy main dish. Garlic bread or a simple roasted vegetable medley also complement the meal, rounding out a satisfying and balanced dinner experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a small side of marinara sauce for dipping, turning your Cheesy Spaghetti Pie into a fun, interactive meal. You can also bake it in muffin tins for personal mini pies – perfect for parties or packed lunches. No matter how you serve it, this dish is bound to be a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover spaghetti pie tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for delicious next-day meals, whether reheated for lunch or dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish by wrapping tightly in foil and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It freezes wonderfully for up to 2 months, giving you a convenient comfort meal ready whenever you crave that cheesy goodness.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge before reheating. Bake at 350°F until heated through, or use a microwave for quicker meals, adding a cover to keep moisture in. Reheating brings back the pie’s melty, cozy appeal just like the first time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully here, feel free to swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if you want a different texture or shape. Just cook it al dente to ensure it holds up well during baking.

Is the hot sauce necessary in the meat sauce?

The hot sauce adds a subtle depth and slight tang without making the dish spicy. If you prefer, you can omit it, but keep in mind it contributes to a richer flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. The layering and cheesy goodness will still make it a delicious and comforting pie.

How long does the pie need to rest before slicing?

It’s best to let the pie rest at least 10 to 15 minutes after baking. This allows it to firm up, so your slices hold together beautifully without falling apart.

Can I prepare this pie ahead of time and bake later?

Definitely! Assemble your pie up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge to the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe is a wonderful way to elevate classic spaghetti into a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that’s both comforting and fun. Its rich layers of cheese, sauce, and pasta come together in perfect harmony to delight every palate. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat your loved ones to this unforgettable dish that’s destined to become a family favorite!