Description
This delicious Spaghetti Pie is a comforting baked pasta dish featuring a crispy spaghetti crust layered with cottage cheese and a savory meat sauce, topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner, it combines the heartiness of spaghetti with the convenience of a casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti Crust
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cheese Layer
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and immediately toss with 2 tablespoons of butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Make Spaghetti Crust: In a large bowl, combine the warm spaghetti, beaten eggs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly, then press this mixture firmly into a greased 9-inch pie dish to create the crust.
- Add Cottage Cheese Layer: Spread 1 cup of cottage cheese evenly over the spaghetti crust to form a creamy middle layer.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Assemble Pie: Spoon the simmered meat sauce evenly over the cottage cheese layer. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top to form a cheesy topping.
- Bake: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if preferred for a smoother texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the meat sauce to increase the dish’s nutritional value and flavor.
