This Spaghetti Pie is a fun, hearty twist on classic spaghetti that’s baked into a cheesy, sliceable casserole. It has all the comfort of pasta night — savory meat sauce, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles — but baked into a pie that holds its shape. I make this when I want something easy, filling, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines the simplicity of spaghetti with the structure of a baked dish. It’s great for make-ahead dinners or feeding a crowd, and the leftovers are even better the next day. The crispy edges, the cheesy top, and the layered meat sauce make every bite rich, cozy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Spaghetti noodles
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Ground beef or Italian sausage
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Onion, chopped
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Garlic, minced
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Marinara or spaghetti sauce
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Eggs
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Ricotta or cottage cheese
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Mozzarella cheese, shredded
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Salt and black pepper
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Italian seasoning
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Olive oil or cooking spray
Directions
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I start by cooking the spaghetti until al dente, then draining and letting it cool slightly.
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In a skillet, I brown the ground beef or sausage with chopped onion and garlic. Once fully cooked, I drain any excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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In a bowl, I whisk together the eggs and Parmesan, then toss them with the cooked spaghetti. This helps bind the noodles and gives the “pie” its structure.
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I press the spaghetti mixture into a greased pie dish or baking dish to form a crust.
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I spread a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese over the crust, then spoon the meat sauce on top.
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I sprinkle shredded mozzarella over everything and bake at 375°F for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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I let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing so it holds its shape when served.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6–8 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I mix chopped spinach into the ricotta for a veggie boost, or add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little heat. I’ve also used gluten-free spaghetti or substituted turkey sausage for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, I skip the meat and load the sauce with mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the oven or microwave until hot all the way through. It also freezes well — I wrap individual slices or the whole dish in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw in the fridge overnight before baking again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, I’ve used angel hair, linguine, or even penne in a pinch. I just make sure not to overcook it before baking.
Do I have to use ricotta?
No — cottage cheese works just fine, and I’ve even used a layer of cream cheese blended with herbs for a creamy twist.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. I assemble the whole pie ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I get clean slices?
Letting it rest for about 10 minutes after baking helps it firm up so I can slice it cleanly like a pie.
What’s the best baking dish to use?
I usually use a 9-inch deep pie dish or a 9×9 square baking dish. A springform pan also works great for slicing and serving.
Conclusion
This Spaghetti Pie is one of those recipes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s a creative way to serve pasta that’s comforting, cheesy, and totally crowd-pleasing. Whether I’m making dinner for my family or prepping a meal to share, this baked pasta “pie” always earns a spot on the table.

Spaghetti Pie Recipe
- Author: Olivia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A sliceable, hearty baked spaghetti casserole featuring a crispy pasta crust layered with creamy cheese and rich meat sauce — just like a cheesy, comforting pie night.
Ingredients
- For the pasta crust:
- 8 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
- ¼–½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1–2 eggs, beaten
- Fresh basil or Italian seasoning (optional) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- For the cheese layer:
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- For the meat sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–1½ cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
- For the topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie plate or baking dish.
- In a bowl, toss hot cooked spaghetti with melted butter (or oil), beaten egg(s), Parmesan, and seasoning. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides to form a crust. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- In a skillet, cook beef (or sausage), onion, and garlic until browned. Drain if needed. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer briefly.
- Spread the cheese layer (ricotta or cottage cheese) evenly over the crust. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Top with the meat sauce and smooth.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until melted. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Let cool 5–10 minutes to set before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Use ricotta or cottage cheese; both bind well and add creamy texture. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Leftovers reheat well in microwave or oven; you can freeze individual slices for easy meals later. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 380 (approx)
- Sugar: undefined
- Sodium: undefined
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: undefined
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: undefined
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: undefined