Description
Spaghetti Pie Delight brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with a clever twist on classic pasta. Crispy pasta crust cradles savory meat sauce and melted cheese, creating a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 6 ounces (170 g) spaghetti noodles, cooked until al dente
- 2 cups marinara sauce (preferably Rao’s)
Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a 9-inch cake pan by coating it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onions, breaking the meat into small pieces until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce, then set aside.
- Cook spaghetti noodles in boiling water until al dente, then drain thoroughly. Transfer noodles to a mixing bowl and combine with melted butter, beaten egg, and half of the shredded parmesan cheese, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
- Carefully transfer the spaghetti mixture into the prepared cake pan, using a spoon to press and shape the noodles against the bottom and sides, creating a sturdy crust with a central cavity for filling.
- Create the cheese layer by mixing cottage cheese, remaining parmesan, dried oregano, and dried basil in a separate bowl. Spread this mixture evenly across the spaghetti crust.
- Distribute the prepared beef and marinara sauce over the cottage cheese layer, using the back of a spoon to spread it smoothly and create an even surface.
- Cover the pie with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
- Remove the spaghetti pie from the oven and let it rest for 5-7 minutes to allow the layers to set. Slice and serve warm, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Master this dish with ease, transforming simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing spaghetti pie that combines pasta, meat, and cheesy goodness in one delightful package.
- Prepare all ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and ensure a smooth, stress-free preparation.
- Create a sturdy spaghetti crust by pressing noodles firmly against pan sides, which provides a crispy base and prevents soggy bottoms.
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, ensuring a rich but not overly fatty meat sauce.
- Let the pie rest for a few minutes after baking, allowing layers to set and making slicing easier without falling apart.
- Complement this hearty meal with a fresh green salad or garlic bread to balance the richness of the spaghetti pie.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420 cal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg