Let me share with you my all-time favorite comfort dish that always brings smiles around the table: this irresistible Spaghetti Pie Recipe. It takes the classic spaghetti you love and transforms it into a cheesy, baked pie bursting with hearty meat sauce and layers of creamy cheeses. Every bite delivers cozy, familiar flavors but with a fun twist that feels both nostalgic and exciting. Whether serving family or impressing guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A collection of seven white containers arranged on a white marbled texture, featuring layers of common lasagna ingredients: a pot filled with cooked yellow spaghetti at the bottom, a white bowl with shredded yellow cheese to the middle left, a bowl with white cottage cheese positioned to the right, and next to it a bowl with white shredded cheese. Above these, a small white bowl contains a mix of finely chopped garlic and green dried herbs, while another small bowl holds chopped white onions. A small white plate holds a rectangular block of raw red ground beef in the center, and a glass jar with smooth bright red tomato sauce is at the top left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Spaghetti Pie Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create rich textures and vibrant flavors. Each element plays a crucial role: from perfectly cooked noodles to a savory meat sauce and the luscious cheesy layers that tie it all together.

8 ounces spaghetti noodles: Cook just shy of al dente to ensure they hold up perfectly during baking.
2 teaspoons olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and keeps the noodles from sticking.
1/4 cup diced yellow onion: Provides a sweet and fragrant base for the sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic punch essential for Italian dishes.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and classic Mediterranean flavor.
8 ounces ground beef: Adds heartiness and umami that make this pie truly satisfying.
12 ounces spaghetti sauce: The tomato base that ties the meat and pasta together with its tangy, rich taste.
8 ounces 4% milkfat cottage cheese or whole milk ricotta: Adds creaminess and a gentle tang to the cheesy mixture.
8 ounces shredded whole milk mozzarella (about 2 cups), divided: Melts beautifully, giving the pie that gooey, irresistible texture.
4 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup), divided: Offers a sharp, nutty contrast that balances the richness.
2 tablespoons heavy cream: Ensures the cheese layer stays silky and luscious.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Must-haves for seasoning every component to perfection.
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish to brighten each serving.

How to Make Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees so it’s ready for baking later. Cook the spaghetti noodles just a minute or two less than the package’s instructions—this way they won’t turn mushy after baking. Toss them with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatic Base

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion with a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, letting those flavors bloom together for about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef and Simmer Sauce

Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks until fully browned. This step is key to develop rich, savory notes that make the dish really satisfying. Once the beef is cooked, stir in the spaghetti sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Combine the Noodles and Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti noodles with cottage cheese or ricotta, half of both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, the heavy cream, and a couple generous pinches of salt and pepper. Toss everything together with tongs until the noodles are evenly coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Assemble the Spaghetti Pie

Lightly grease a large pie pan to prevent sticking, then spread the cheesy spaghetti mixture into an even layer. Next, spoon the meat sauce evenly over the top, making sure every slice gets a burst of rich flavor. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over everything to create that irresistible golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the pie tightly with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the dish is hot throughout, the cheese is fully melted, and the edges of the pasta are starting to bubble. For an extra special touch, remove the foil and broil the top for 1 to 2 minutes to get a beautiful, browned cheese crust.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Let your Spaghetti Pie rest for 5 to 10 minutes after coming out of the oven—this helps it set nicely for clean slices. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley and a little additional Parmesan on top for color and a burst of herbal freshness before serving.

How to Serve Spaghetti Pie Recipe

This image shows a white scalloped dish filled with spaghetti and meat sauce. The bottom layer is thin spaghetti, light yellow in color, filling the curved edges of the dish. On top, there is a thick, chunky layer of rich red meat sauce mixed with ground meat and small pieces of vegetables, covering the pasta completely. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and a mild brightness that complements the savory pie beautifully. For an extra layer of umami, a little grated Parmesan on top right before serving never fails.

Side Dishes

This Spaghetti Pie pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads like a classic Caesar or a peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed green vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus provide a nice balance and add vibrant color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this pie in individual ramekins or mini pie pans for a charming, personal touch. You can even add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach inside for extra flavor and a nutritional boost. Leftover pie slices are fantastic reheated the next day, making lunchtime feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spaghetti Pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled preserves freshness while allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled Spaghetti Pie (before baking) in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees to retain that satisfying baked texture. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, and heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave slices on medium power, though the oven method offers the best results.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for the Spaghetti Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed to maintain that perfect bite.

What if I want a vegetarian version?

Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. The cheese and sauce layers still provide plenty of hearty flavor to satisfy cravings.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire pie up to a day in advance, keeping it covered in the fridge. Simply bake it before mealtime, and the flavors will be even more developed.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely. Freezing is a great way to meal prep. Freeze the assembled pie before baking and thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking.

How can I tell when the Spaghetti Pie is done baking?

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges, and the pie is heated through completely. A lightly browned top is a great indicator that your pie is perfectly finished.

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti Pie Recipe is one of those all-time favorites that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the table — I promise it will become your go-to comfort food too!