Name: Cheesy Spaghetti Pie 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 dried parsley; ½ teaspoon dried 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 (doesn’t add spiciness); 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 24 oz. marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe is absolutely it. I’ve made it countless times for family dinners and potlucks because it brings together the best of three worlds: a crispy spaghetti crust, a creamy herb-infused cheese layer, and a rich, flavorful meat sauce all topped with melty mozzarella. Trust me, it’s one of those dishes that everyone comes back asking for seconds on.

This pie works wonders on busy weeknights when you want something hearty but not fussy. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to transform simple spaghetti into a show-stopping meal that feels special. The layers of cheese, pasta, and meat are so satisfying, and you’ll love how the herbs add just the right touch of brightness. You’re going to want to keep this Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe in your dinner rotation for sure!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building those rich layers and textures. From the creamy ricotta to the perfectly seasoned meat sauce, these components work together like a well-rehearsed kitchen symphony. When shopping, I recommend using good quality cheeses and fresh herbs for the best flavor.

Ricotta cheese: Creamy base for the cheese layer that adds moisture and richness.
Cream cheese: Gives extra creaminess and helps bind the cheese layer smoothly.
Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance all flavors.
Dried basil, parsley, oregano: Classic Italian herbs that bring herbal depth without overpowering the ricotta.
Pepper: Adds a gentle spicy note to balance the cheese.
Spaghetti: The “crust” of the pie; be sure to cook al dente so it holds shape well.
Butter: Adds richness to the spaghetti crust and helps it crisp in the oven.
Eggs: The binder for the spaghetti crust—don’t skip this or your crust won’t hold together.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor and contributes to the crust crispiness.
Ground beef: The hearty base of the meat sauce; lean or regular works.
Yellow onion: Builds sweetness and depth in the sauce.
Garlic: Essential aromatic for classic Italian flavor.
Hot sauce: Fun little ingredient that boosts flavor without heat.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and umami to the meat sauce.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that rounds out the sauce perfectly.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for a tomatoey sauce base.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, cheesy topping that everyone will love.

Variations

I’ve found this Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe is pretty forgiving, so I like to customize it based on what’s in my fridge or who I’m serving. Feel free to swap or add ingredients to make this dish your own—you really can’t go wrong.

Vegetarian version: I’ve replaced the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and spinach, and it was surprisingly hearty.
Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce gives the pie a lovely kick that wakes up the flavors.
Different cheeses: Sometimes I mix in sharp provolone or fontina with the mozzarella topping for a richer cheesy finish.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free spaghetti and double-check your marinara sauce to make this safe for gluten-sensitive guests.

How to Make Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Spaghetti and Prepare the Crust

Start by cooking your spaghetti in salted boiling water until it’s al dente—this is crucial because mushy pasta won’t create that satisfying crust. Once drained, toss the hot spaghetti with melted butter, whisked eggs, and parmesan cheese. This mixture forms your crust, and the eggs act like glue to hold everything together when baked. Spread it evenly into a buttered pie dish, pressing lightly to create a compact layer. Don’t rush this step: evenly packing the spaghetti ensures a crispy base.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Layer

While the spaghetti cools, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, salt, and the dried herbs in a bowl. I like to give it a good mix until it’s smooth and fluffy—this layer adds so much creaminess between the savory crust and meat sauce. Spread this gently over the spaghetti crust, but be careful not to disturb your work! I usually smooth it with a spatula for even coverage.

Step 3: Make Your Flavor-Packed Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic. I season it with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of hot sauce—this combo deepens the flavor wonderfully. Once the beef is cooked through, stir in marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors marry nicely. Pour the sauce evenly over the cheese layer.

Step 4: Add the Mozzarella and Bake

Scatter shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create that irresistible golden crust. Bake your pie at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. When you pull it out, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the layers set so your slices hold together nicely. Trust me, the anticipation is worth it!

How to Serve Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe

The image shows eight small white bowls and three brown eggs arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The top right bowl contains a nest-like bundle of pale yellow uncooked pasta. To the left are three brown eggs placed close together. Below the pasta, there is a mound of pink ground meat. Around these larger items are bowls holding different ingredients: white fluffy ricotta cheese, grated white cheese, chopped pale yellow onions, dark soy sauce or balsamic vinegar in a small bowl, green dried herbs in two bowls, and white granulated salt. All ingredients are cleanly presented with clear color contrasts on the white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped basil and a little extra parmesan on top just before serving—it adds a fresh pop and makes the dish look even more inviting. Sometimes a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of chili flakes on individual slices gives a nice personal touch.

Side Dishes

This pie is pretty hearty on its own, but I love serving it with a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for brightness. Garlic bread or a side of roasted veggies works really well too, especially if you want to round out the meal without adding heaviness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked the Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe in individual ramekins or muffin tins—these mini pies are perfect for portion control and look adorable on a party platter. Another idea is adding marinated olives or sun-dried tomatoes on top as garnish to amp up the Mediterranean vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, which is a nice bonus. To keep the crust from getting soggy, I like to reheat slices in a toaster oven or air fryer rather than the microwave when possible.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I typically bake it fully, let it cool completely, then cut into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil before popping in the freezer. That way, you can grab a slice whenever you need a quick meal fix. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. You can cover with foil to prevent over-browning if needed. This method keeps the crust crispy, unlike microwaving, which tends to make it limp.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the whole pie up to the baking step the day before, cover it tightly, and keep it refrigerated. Then just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve—it saves tons of time on busy days.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Ricotta and cream cheese create that creamy layer, while parmesan in the crust adds flavor and structure. For topping, mozzarella melts beautifully for a gooey finish. You can experiment with provolone or fontina for different flavor profiles, too.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Cooking the spaghetti al dente and mixing it with butter and eggs helps create a sturdy crust. Also, letting the pie rest after baking allows the layers to set, and reheating in the oven rather than the microwave keeps the crust crisp.
Can I use a different meat for the sauce?

Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work well as substitutions if you want to switch things up. Just adjust seasoning accordingly to balance flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes! The cheesy layers and familiar pasta flavors make this dish a hit with kids. Plus, you can easily control spice levels by omitting hot sauce or adding milder ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s one of those recipes that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing friends, it’s straightforward to make and delivers big on flavor and comfort. I really hope you’ll give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy spaghetti!