Spaghetti Pie with Rich Meat Sauce | Cozy & Delicious Dinner

Name: Delicious 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 parsley; ½ teaspoon oregano; ¼ teaspoon pepper; ½ lb. spaghetti; 3 tablespoons butter; 2 eggs, whisked; ½ cup parmesan cheese; 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 mozzarella cheese

This might be the most comforting dinner you’ll make all week: a cozy, cheesy, and totally satisfying Spaghetti Pie with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe. It’s like lasagna’s fun cousin who’s easier to throw together but just as delicious.

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 Rich Meat Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spaghetti Pie with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to admit, the first time I made this Spaghetti Pie with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe, I was hooked instantly. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and perfect for those nights you want something hearty without a big fuss. Plus, it’s a great way to jazz up plain old spaghetti into a fun pie shape.

Cheesy Comfort: The combination of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella on top creates a luscious, creamy texture you won’t want to stop eating.
Rich Meat Sauce: The sauce is packed with flavor layers thanks to Worcestershire, hot sauce, and Italian seasonings—it’s anything but boring.
Easy Assembly: No fancy techniques required, just simple layering and baking — perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep this in advance or freeze it for later, making meal planning a breeze.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Spaghetti Pie with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe plays a special role, from the blend of cheeses to the hearty meat sauce. Using good-quality components makes all the difference, so here’s what I recommend when shopping and prepping.

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: This adds a creamy, slightly sweet layer that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce beautifully.
Cream Cheese: Using the tub-version melts more smoothly and adds richness without overpowering.
Dried Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Oregano): They bring that classic Italian flavor you expect in a meat sauce without any fresh herb prep hassle.
Spaghetti: Al dente pasta is key—it holds up nicely during baking and keeps the pie from becoming mushy.
Ground Beef: I love mixing in a bit of Italian sausage for extra depth, but straight ground beef works great too.
Onion and Garlic: The basics that build your sauce’s foundation and infuse great aroma and flavor.
Hot Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce: They add a subtle tang and umami hit that might surprise you but totally elevates the sauce.
Marinara Sauce: Pick a quality store-bought one like Rao’s or Carbone for that restaurant-level taste without extra effort.
Mozzarella Cheese: Go for low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella to get that perfect melty, bubbly top.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is a game changer—you’ll taste the difference immediately.

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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 making this Spaghetti Pie with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe just as it is, but I also like to tweak it based on seasons or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to customize it and make it truly yours.

Variation: Sometimes I swap half the ground beef for ground turkey to lighten it up a bit—still tasty and wholesome.
Veggie Boost: Adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers into the meat sauce pumps up the flavor and adds texture.
Cheese Lovers: A sprinkle of provolone or even some sharp cheddar mixed into the top layer adds a fun twist.
Spicy Kick: If you like spice, increase the hot sauce slightly or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spaghetti Pie with Rich Meat Sauce 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: Get your cheese mixture ready

Start by combining ricotta, cream cheese, and those dried herbs along with salt and pepper in a bowl. It’s always nice to get this ready early so the flavors can mingle as you cook. Set it aside and don’t forget to preheat the oven to 350°F while you prep the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the meat and onions

Grab a large skillet and heat it to medium-high. Add the seasoned ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the meat is browned and crumbly—about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain the excess fat, this step keeps the pie from becoming greasy, so don’t skip it.

Step 3: Build the flavorful meat sauce

Reduce the heat and stir in minced garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire, Italian seasoning, then pour in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer uncovered on low while you boil the spaghetti. It’s the little touches like hot sauce that make this meat sauce rich and layered without being spicy.

Step 4: Cook and dress the spaghetti

Boil spaghetti in salted water to al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. Drain it and return it to the pot with butter and Parmesan cheese; toss to coat nicely. Then whisk your eggs and mix them into the spaghetti—this helps bind the pie together when baking.

Step 5: Assemble the layers

Fold about 1 ½ cups of the meat sauce into the spaghetti mixture and press this into a greased deep pie pan or any 9 to 10-inch baking dish. Spread the ricotta-cheese layer evenly on top, then spoon over the remaining meat sauce, and finally, pile on the shredded mozzarella. The dish looks full, but trust me, it bakes beautifully.

Step 6: Bake to perfection

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. If you like a browned top, pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn! Once out of the oven, let it rest at least 10-15 minutes. This rest really helps it set so slices hold their shape when you serve.

Top Tip

Making this Spaghetti Pie with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe successfully is all about layering flavors and textures. Over time, I've learned a few things to keep it delicious every time.

Drain the Meat Well: Excess grease ruins the texture and makes the dish soggy, so drain thoroughly after browning your beef.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven and you want some nice bite left.
Rest Before Slicing: Taking the time to let the pie set prevents it from falling apart when you cut into it.
Use Quality Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and good mozzarella truly elevate this dish.

How to Serve Spaghetti Pie with Rich Meat Sauce 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 usually sprinkle this pie with some fresh chopped parsley or basil for color and a bright herbal note. A little extra grated Parmesan at the table never hurts either—makes every bite delightful.

Side Dishes

This pie stands tall on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic-roasted broccoli. If you’re feeling indulgent, garlic bread always hits the spot.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve the pie in individual ramekins for everyone. It’s super cute and fun for portion control. You can even top each portion with a little dollop of pesto or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to fancy it up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover spaghetti pie in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for about 3 days. I’ve found it’s best eaten within that window for the freshest taste and texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I usually assemble the whole pie, but don’t bake it before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it fully in the fridge overnight then bake as usual. Makes a great make-ahead meal.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout—usually 15-20 minutes works well. This keeps the cheese melty and pasta firm without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

I prefer spaghetti since it creates the perfect crust and texture in the pie, but you can definitely experiment with other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente and toss it well with butter, cheese, and eggs to hold it together.

What’s the best way to avoid a soggy spaghetti pie?

Make sure you drain your cooked ground beef thoroughly and don’t overcook the spaghetti. Also, letting the pie rest after baking helps it set up nicely. Using eggs mixed into the pasta also helps bind moisture and prevents sogginess.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire pie and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw completely and allow it to come to room temperature before baking for best results.

What type of cheese is best for topping?

Low moisture whole milk mozzarella is ideal because it melts well without releasing too much water, keeping the pie from getting soggy. I recommend brands like Galbani or Dragone if you can find them. Freshly shredded mozzarella always melts better than pre-shredded.

Final Thoughts

Spaghetti Pie with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe has become a staple in my home for those nights when I want a little extra love on the dinner table without spending hours cooking. It’s hearty, cheesy, and so full of flavor, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Give it a try—you might just discover a new family favorite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way