Name: Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup ricotta cheese; 3 tablespoons cream cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon pepper; ½ lb spaghetti; 3 tablespoons butter; 2 eggs, whisked; ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated; 1 lb ground beef; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 24 oz marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded low moisture whole milk mozzarella cheese

Nothing beats a comforting casserole that hits all the right notes—cheesy, saucy, and satisfying. This Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe is exactly that, blending familiar flavors into an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser you'll want to make on repeat.

A round white plate holds a baked layered dish with a golden brown melted cheese top that looks bubbly and slightly crispy. A slice is being lifted, showing three main layers: the top layer is thick melted cheese in shades of yellow and light brown, the middle layer is a reddish meat sauce with small chunks, and beneath is a layer of pale white pasta or similar base. Small green herbs are sprinkled on top of the cheese. The background is a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I don't know about you, but sometimes I crave that perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese in a single dish that's both cozy and impressive. This spaghetti pie nails it with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and a crispy pasta crust. Honestly, it’s one of my go-to recipes when I want comfort food that feels special without hours in the kitchen.

One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes into one pan, making cleanup a breeze and dinner prep simple.
Comfort Food Magic: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and hearty meat sauce creates irresistible layers of flavor.
Customizable: Whether you want to kick it up with sausage or keep it classic, this recipe adjusts easily.
Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats surprisingly well, so you can enjoy it again without losing any of that homemade goodness.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe plays a key role, from creating a flavorful crust to layering creamy textures and zesty sauce. Shopping tip: invest in good-quality cheeses and marinara sauce—they’re the stars here!

Flat lay of a bundle of uncooked spaghetti pasta, a stick of pale yellow butter, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy ricotta cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red marinara sauce, a portion of raw ground beef, a small fresh yellow onion, four peeled garlic cloves, and a few sprigs of fresh dried basil, parsley, and oregano sprinkled neatly on the surface, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy richness and moisture to the cheese layer without overpowering the flavors.
Cream Cheese: Makes the cheese layer extra silky and binds it all together nicely.
Spaghetti: The base of the crust—cooked just right so it holds together but remains tender.
Butter: Coats the pasta to add flavor and helps everything stick cohesively.
Eggs: Act as a binder, so your spaghetti crust sets firm during baking.
Parmesan Cheese: Gives a sharp, salty kick that complements the creamy cheeses perfectly.
Ground Beef: The hearty meat base for your sauce, seasoned to savory perfection.
Yellow Onion & Garlic: Build depth and aromatics in the meat sauce.
Hot Sauce: Just a dash to elevate flavor complexity—not spice.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami richness that you wouldn't expect but will definitely notice.
Italian Seasoning: Classic herbs that tie the sauce together.
Marinara Sauce: Choose a high-quality brand for intense tomato flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection on top, creating that irresistible cheese pull.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe depending on my mood or season. It’s fun to play with different meats or cheese blends to keep it feeling fresh.

Meat Variations: Sometimes I swap half the ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier, more complex flavor—it's a total game changer.
Vegetarian Option: Try sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and lentils in place of meat. The Italian seasoning helps keep it savory and satisfying.
Cheese Swap: Feel free to mix in provolone or fontina with mozzarella for a different melt and flavor profile.
Spice It Up: Adding extra herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes can bring out new layers of taste without overpowering the dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe

A slice of baked spaghetti sits on a stack of two white plates on a white marbled surface, showing three clear layers: the bottom layer of golden yellow spaghetti noodles mixed with a rich red tomato sauce and small pieces of browned meat, the middle layer of melted cheese blending into the noodles, and the top layer of slightly browned, golden melted cheese sprinkled with green herbs. The background also shows a white baking dish with more of the baked spaghetti and a sprig of green herb out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Layer and Meat Sauce

I start by mixing the ricotta, cream cheese, and all the dried herbs with salt and pepper until silky smooth—this gives the pie its creamy heart. Then, I brown the ground beef with diced onions in a large skillet. Cooking time is usually about 7-10 minutes, making sure the beef is nicely crumbled and browned. I drain off the excess fat to avoid greasiness, then add garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. After a quick stir, I pour in the marinara and simmer it on low while boiling spaghetti. This layering of flavors while multitasking saves time and builds depth.

Step 2: Make the Spaghetti Crust

Once the spaghetti is al dente, I drain it and toss it back in the warm pot with butter and Parmesan to coat every strand. Then the whisked eggs get tossed in right away—that's the secret to getting a crust that holds together. Next, I stir in one and a half cups of that rich meat sauce to infuse the pasta with flavor before pressing it firmly into a greased deep pie pan or baking dish.

Step 3: Layer and Bake the Pie

On top of the packed spaghetti crust, I spread the ricotta mixture evenly. Then, I slather the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer—trust me, this double meat coverage is key for flavor. The pan will be nearly full, but don’t worry, it all fits wonderfully. Finally, sprinkle on heaps of shredded mozzarella. Baking at 350°F for about 30 minutes melts and bubbles the cheese into golden goodness. I sometimes finish with a quick broil for that perfect browned top—just keep a close eye so it doesn't burn. Then, let it rest for 10-15 minutes so it sets nicely before slicing.

Top Tip

After making this Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe dozens of times, I've learned a few tips that make a real difference when you're aiming for that perfect pie every time.

Don't Overcook Your Spaghetti: Cooking it just until al dente prevents mushiness after baking—your crust stays pleasantly firm.
Drain Excess Fat from Beef: This keeps the sauce from becoming greasy and heavy, balancing the richness perfectly.
Press the Pasta Firmly: Taking a few extra minutes to compact the spaghetti layer helps the pie hold its shape on serving plates.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the pie sit for 10-15 minutes is crucial for the layers to set—trust me, cutting it too soon will make a mess.

How to Serve Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe

A top view of a black pan with a silver rim sitting on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, there are two main layers side by side: on the left side, ground meat with a pinkish-red color and a slightly coarse texture, sprinkled with black pepper; on the right side, chopped white onions with a juicy and slightly translucent texture. The pan handle extends out of the frame towards the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I keep it classic with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and subtle freshness. Sometimes a light dusting of extra Parmesan adds an elegant touch. A drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes will satisfy any spice lovers at your table.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus are perfect companions. If you want to keep it totally comforting, garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls are always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes make individual mini pie portions by layering the ingredients in small ramekins—these are impressive and perfect for serving guests. You could also try adding a drizzle of pesto or a handful of sun-dried tomatoes on top before baking to elevate the look and taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so it's actually even better as leftovers. Just be sure to refrigerate promptly.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm too! I wrap the whole dish tightly or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When I thaw it in the fridge overnight, it reheats perfectly without losing texture or flavor.

Reheating

My go-to reheating method is warming leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes. This keeps the cheese moist and melts it evenly. If you want to refresh the crispy top, I pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end, but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different pasta instead of spaghetti in this pie?

Yes! While spaghetti is traditional for the crust, you can experiment with other long noodles like linguine or fettuccine. Just be mindful that the texture and binding might vary slightly, so don't overcook and make sure to press the pasta tightly into the pan.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Make sure to boost the seasoning with extra herbs or a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire (vegan version) to keep the umami flavor rich.

What’s the secret to preventing the spaghetti crust from falling apart?

The eggs mixed into the spaghetti act as a binder to help the crust hold together during baking. Also, pressing the pasta firmly into the baking dish before layering the cheeses and sauce helps create a sturdy base. Finally, allowing the pie to rest after baking is critical so it can set properly.

Can I prepare this Spaghetti Pie ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated before baking. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, then bake covered for 15 minutes and uncovered for another 30 minutes. Freezing before baking is also possible, but be sure to thaw completely before cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it turns everyday ingredients into a dish that feels warm and celebratory at the same time. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want a slice of comforting Italian-inspired goodness. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it—because sometimes, the best meals are the ones made with a little extra love and cheese.