Name: Spaghetti Pie Recipe with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 cup ricotta cheese; 3 tablespoons cream cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon parsley; ½ teaspoon oregano; ¼ teaspoon pepper; ½ lb. spaghetti; 3 tablespoons butter; 2 eggs, whisked; ½ cup parmesan cheese; 1 lb. ground beef; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 24 oz. marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

There's something undeniably comforting about a baked pasta that's studded with rich meat sauce and melted cheese. This Spaghetti Pie Recipe with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe turns simple spaghetti into a hearty, cozy masterpiece that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftover nights. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your go-to weeknight meal!

This image shows a round white dish filled with a baked layered casserole similar to lasagna, placed on a white marbled surface. The top layer is a thick, bubbly melted cheese that is golden and slightly browned in spots with sprinkles of green herbs. Underneath this cheese layer is a rich, textured tomato sauce mixed with ground meat, visible where one triangular slice is lifted from the dish, held by a woman's hand spatula. The layers below the cheese include a deep red sauce with hearty meat bits, giving the dish a dense, layered look. The cheese layer covers the entire surface evenly, with the edges browned from baking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spaghetti Pie Recipe with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spaghetti Pie Recipe with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spaghetti Pie Recipe with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

What makes this Spaghetti Pie Recipe with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe stand out is its perfect balance of gooey cheese layers, rich meaty sauce, and a lightly crisp spaghetti crust—it's like all your favorite comfort foods wrapped into one dish. I’ve made this countless times and it never disappoints.

Ultimate Comfort Food: All the richness of lasagna with the ease of spaghetti, baked into a satisfying pie form.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes wonderful leftovers that reheat beautifully—my family actually asks for seconds!
Customizable Layers: The cheese and meat sauce layers let you add your favorite seasonings and cheeses without fuss.
Easy to Assemble: With straightforward steps and few ingredients, it’s approachable for cooks of all levels.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Spaghetti Pie Recipe with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe lies in how the ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Picking quality cheese and a good marinara sauce makes all the difference, plus fresh seasonings bring the meat sauce alive. Here’s why I love these ingredients for this dish.

Flat lay of uncooked dry spaghetti noodles neatly coiled, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh ricotta cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of cream cheese, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of raw ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl containing diced yellow onion, four peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red marinara sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with golden melted butter, and a small white ceramic bowl with a mix of dried basil, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy richness without heaviness, balancing the tangy tomato sauce perfectly.
Cream Cheese: Gives a smooth, slightly tangy depth to the cheese layer and helps it set.
Spaghetti: The crust base that soaks up buttery and cheesy goodness, creating a slightly crispy texture once baked.
Ground Beef: Provides hearty flavor; I often mix in Italian sausage for extra seasoning and richness.
Yellow Onion & Garlic: Classic aromatics that enhance the meat sauce with sweetness and depth.
Marinara Sauce: Choose a high-quality brand with robust flavors—this really elevates your pie.
Worcestershire and Hot Sauce: Small umami boosters that deepen the flavor without heat.
Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and nutty, it melts beautifully into the spaghetti crust.
Mozzarella Cheese: Use whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella for that stretchy, golden cheese topping everyone loves.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I love most about this recipe is how forgiving and adaptable it is. You can swap out cheeses, add veggies, or even switch up the meat to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Personalizing it makes it even more special to your family’s palate!

Variation: I often add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers into the meat sauce for extra veggie goodness, and my kids love that twist.
Make It Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative—still super tasty!
Cheese Options: Feel free to mix in provolone or fontina for a different cheese profile.
Spice Level: If you like things with a kick, add a bit more hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spaghetti Pie Recipe with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe

A slice of layered spaghetti casserole sits on a white square plate over another white square plate. The bottom layer is twisted cooked spaghetti in a red tomato sauce mixed with bits of browned meat. Above that is a layer of melted cheese mixed with the sauce, and the top layer is a glossy, golden-brown, melted cheese sprinkled lightly with green herbs. The background shows a green herb out of focus on a white marbled surface and part of a white baking dish with more casserole inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Building the Flavorful Meat Sauce

I start by seasoning the ground beef with salt and pepper, and then browning it along with diced onion until everything is beautifully caramelized—this takes about 7-10 minutes. After draining the excess fat, I add garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. I let those aromatics mingle for 2 minutes before stirring in the marinara. Simmering it gently while I prepare the pasta lets all the flavors develop nicely.

Step 2: Cooking and Preparing the Spaghetti Crust

While the sauce simmers, I boil the spaghetti to al dente. Timing is key here—you don't want mushy noodles! After draining, I toss the warm spaghetti with butter, parmesan, and whisked eggs. The eggs help bind the noodles when baked, creating that pleasing crust that holds the pie together.

Step 3: Layering Your Spaghetti Pie

Into a lightly greased deep pie pan, I press the spaghetti mixture down firmly to form the crust layer. Then comes the creamy ricotta and cream cheese layer, followed by the rest of the meat sauce. It might seem full at this point, but trust me, it all settles as it bakes. Finally, I top it with shredded mozzarella for that irresistible melty finish.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes until the cheese is hot and bubbling. If you want a golden, bubbly top, I switch the oven to broil for a couple of minutes but keep an eagle eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Once out, I let the pie rest for 10-15 minutes—that’s the secret to clean slices that hold their shape beautifully.

Top Tip

After making Spaghetti Pie Recipe with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help perfect it every time.

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cooking spaghetti just shy of al dente means it finishes cooking while baking, resulting in a perfectly tender but firm bite.
Press Down the Spaghetti Well: Firmly pressing helps bind the crust so your slices won’t fall apart.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Waiting 10-15 minutes after baking lets everything set — this is a game changer for neat slices and clean serving.
Use Quality Ingredients: Great marinara and fresh shredded cheese elevate the dish from good to unforgettable.

How to Serve Spaghetti Pie Recipe with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top my slices with freshly chopped basil or parsley—just a little green adds a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of extra parmesan or red pepper flakes also works, especially if your crowd likes a bit of zest.

Side Dishes

This spaghetti pie pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus add a nice balance too.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I’ve baked this in individual ramekins for personal pies — great for presentation and portion control. You can even layer in different cheeses or swap marinara for a spicy arrabbiata sauce to jazz things up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover spaghetti pie keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that the pasta continues to soak up the sauce, making it even more flavorful, though some might prefer to add a splash of marinara when reheating to refresh the texture.

Freezing

I often freeze assembled but unbaked pies for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before baking. This way you get that fresh-baked taste without the fuss on a busy night.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 15-20 minutes. Uncover during the last few minutes to re-crisp the top if you want that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta for this Spaghetti Pie Recipe with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works best for the crust, you could experiment with linguine or thin fettuccine. Just be sure to toss it with the eggs and butter so it binds well during baking.

What if I don’t have ricotta or cream cheese?

You can substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese that’s been drained, and cream cheese can be replaced with mascarpone or a mild cream cheese spread. The texture will vary slightly, but the richness remains.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be mindful that gluten-free pasta often cooks faster, so watch closely to avoid mushiness.

How do I prevent the crust from sticking to the pan?

I always lightly grease the pie pan with butter or cooking spray before pressing in the spaghetti crust. You can also dust with a little parmesan for extra release. Using a non-stick or glass baking dish helps too.

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti Pie Recipe with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it brings everyone together around the table with smiles and satisfied bellies. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners or meal prepping for the week, it’s comforting, easy, and downright delicious. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do—grab your ingredients and dive in!