Simple Spaghetti Pie: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal

Spaghetti pie is a fantastic dish that transforms leftover spaghetti into a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s incredibly versatile, customizable to your favorite flavors, and surprisingly simple to make. This recipe offers a straightforward approach, perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner. Get ready to enjoy a delightful twist on a classic pasta favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Pie Recipe

* **Easy and Quick:** This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, meats, or cheeses.
* **Great for Leftovers:** Spaghetti pie is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked spaghetti, reducing food waste and saving you time.
* **Comfort Food:** The combination of pasta, sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings makes this dish incredibly comforting and satisfying.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Most kids love spaghetti, and presenting it in pie form makes it even more appealing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Cooked Spaghetti:** About 1 pound, cooked according to package directions. Leftover spaghetti works perfectly!
* **Eggs:** 2 large eggs, lightly beaten. These act as a binder to hold the pie together.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup. Adds a salty, savory flavor and helps create a crispy crust.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, divided. Used to sauté vegetables (if using) and grease the pie dish.
* **Ground Meat (Optional):** 1 pound of ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey. Adds protein and flavor.
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped. Provides a savory base for the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Your Favorite Pasta Sauce:** 2-3 cups. Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce. Marinara, meat sauce, or mushroom sauce all work well.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 2 cups, shredded. Melts beautifully and adds a cheesy topping.
* **Ricotta Cheese (Optional):** 1 cup. Adds a creamy layer to the pie.
* **Vegetables (Optional):** Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini – use your favorites!
* **Dried Italian Herbs:** 1 teaspoon. Adds a fragrant and savory flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9-inch Pie Dish:** Or a similar sized oven-safe dish.
* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the spaghetti and egg mixture.
* **Skillet:** For browning the meat and sautéing vegetables (if using).
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Spoon or Spatula:** For mixing and spreading.

Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Prepare the Spaghetti:**

* If you’re not using leftover spaghetti, cook 1 pound of spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well.
* While the spaghetti is cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

**2. Prepare the Meat Sauce (Optional):**

* If using ground meat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
* Drain off any excess grease.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* Pour in your favorite pasta sauce and bring to a simmer.
* Season with dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
* Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you are using vegetables, add them at the same time as the onions to cook until soft.

**3. Prepare the Spaghetti Mixture:**

* In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, beaten eggs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
* Mix well to ensure the spaghetti is evenly coated.

**4. Assemble the Spaghetti Pie:**

* Grease a 9-inch pie dish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
* Press the spaghetti mixture into the pie dish, forming a crust along the bottom and up the sides. Make sure to press firmly to create a solid base.
* If using ricotta cheese, spread it evenly over the spaghetti crust.
* Pour the meat sauce (or your plain pasta sauce) over the ricotta cheese (or directly onto the spaghetti crust).
* Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.

**5. Bake the Spaghetti Pie:**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is lightly golden brown.

**6. Cool and Serve:**

* Let the spaghetti pie cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the pie to set slightly and makes it easier to cut.
* Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

* **Add Vegetables:** Get creative with your vegetables! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can add extra flavor and nutrients to your pie.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the meat and load up on vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option. You can also add plant-based meat substitutes.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Individual Spaghetti Pies:** For a fun and easy variation, bake the spaghetti pie in individual ramekins.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the spaghetti pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Use Different Sauces:** Pesto, Alfredo, or even a creamy tomato sauce would be delicious in this recipe.
* **Add Fresh Herbs:** Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top of the pie after baking for a burst of fresh flavor.
* **Crust Variations:** For a crispier crust, brush the spaghetti crust with melted butter before baking.

Serving Suggestions

* Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
* Pair with garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
* Offer a variety of toppings, such as grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs.
* This spaghetti pie is also great served as leftovers the next day!

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Varies depending on ingredients used.
* Protein: Varies depending on ingredients used.
* Fat: Varies depending on ingredients used.
* Carbohydrates: Varies depending on ingredients used.

*Note: This is an approximate estimate. Actual nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Storing Leftovers

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover spaghetti pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat individual slices in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Troubleshooting

* **Spaghetti pie is too dry:** Add a little more sauce or a drizzle of olive oil before baking.
* **Crust is not holding together:** Make sure to press the spaghetti mixture firmly into the pie dish.
* **Cheese is browning too quickly:** Cover the pie loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
* **Bottom of the pie is soggy:** Make sure to drain the spaghetti well and avoid adding too much sauce.

Conclusion

This simple spaghetti pie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for using up leftovers. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of delicious spaghetti pie!