Name: Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 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; 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

There’s something incredibly comforting about a good pasta bake, and the **Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe** brings that cozy vibe to a whole new level. It’s like a hug in pie form—with layers of cheesy goodness, meaty sauce, and that perfect spaghetti “crust” that makes every bite satisfying and unforgettable.

This image shows a round white dish filled with a baked layered casserole similar to lasagna, placed on a white marbled surface. The top layer is a thick, bubbly melted cheese that is golden and slightly browned in spots with sprinkles of green herbs. Underneath this cheese layer is a rich, textured tomato sauce mixed with ground meat, visible where one triangular slice is lifted from the dish, held by a woman's hand spatula. The layers below the cheese include a deep red sauce with hearty meat bits, giving the dish a dense, layered look. The cheese layer covers the entire surface evenly, with the edges browned from baking. 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 Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe more times than I can count, and what keeps bringing me back is how it satisfies both as comfort food and a bit of a kitchen showstopper. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Layered Textures: The spaghetti forms a buttery, cheesy crust that holds everything together brilliantly.
Flavor-Packed Meat Sauce: With garlic, Worcestershire, and a touch of hot sauce, this sauce tastes way more complex than your average marinara.
Melty Cheese Layer: Ricotta and cream cheese add creaminess while herbs bring fresh, Italian-inspired flavor.
Simple Prep with Stunning Results: It looks impressive, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to pull together.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe plays a purposeful role, making the layers distinct yet harmonious. Don’t skimp on quality here — a great marinara and fresh cheeses really elevate the dish.

Flat lay of uncooked dry spaghetti noodles neatly coiled, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh ricotta cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of cream cheese, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of raw ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl containing diced yellow onion, four peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red marinara sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with golden melted butter, and a small white ceramic bowl with a mix of dried basil, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning placed symmetrically 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 a rich, creamy texture and balances the acidity in the sauce.
Cream cheese: Helps the cheese layer stay smooth and spreadable after baking.
Salt & Italian herbs (basil, parsley, oregano): Bring classic Italian flavor and aroma.
Spaghetti: Your “crust” base — cooked al dente to keep that perfect bite and not get mushy.
Butter & Parmesan: Tossed with pasta for richness and a savory punch that complements the meat sauce.
Eggs: Help bind the spaghetti crust so it slices neatly.
Ground beef: Look for good quality here — it’s your main protein and flavor base.
Yellow onion & garlic: Aromatics that build flavor depth in the meat sauce.
Hot sauce & Worcestershire sauce: Secret little flavor boosters that give complexity without spiciness.
Italian seasoning: A quick way to tie all those flavors together with a herby touch.
Marinara sauce: Use a high-quality brand for best results — it’s the core of your meat sauce.
Mozzarella cheese: Low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella melts perfectly and gives that irresistible stretchy top layer.

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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 experimenting with this recipe, and you absolutely should too! Whether you prefer swapping ground beef for Italian sausage or tossing in some fresh basil at the end, it’s a recipe that welcomes personalization.

Sausage Mix: I’ve combined half beef and half Italian sausage for extra flavor and a juicy bite — highly recommend trying this blend at least once.
Vegetarian Version: I’ve replaced the meat with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty meatless option that’s just as satisfying.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to give that hot sauce a little kick, but start small—you can always add more.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to sprinkle in some provolone or fontina with the mozzarella for a different cheese profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe

A slice of layered spaghetti casserole sits on a white square plate over another white square plate. The bottom layer is twisted cooked spaghetti in a red tomato sauce mixed with bits of browned meat. Above that is a layer of melted cheese mixed with the sauce, and the top layer is a glossy, golden-brown, melted cheese sprinkled lightly with green herbs. The background shows a green herb out of focus on a white marbled surface and part of a white baking dish with more casserole inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Cheeses

Start by mixing the ricotta, cream cheese, and your herbs plus salt and pepper in a bowl. This mix is going to be the creamy, flavorful middle layer. I like to whip it just a little to make spreading easier later on. Set it aside while you get everything else going.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

Season your ground beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in a large skillet with diced onions. Once the meat is nicely caramelized, drain any excess fat—this prevents greasiness in your pie. Lower the heat, add garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning, and let those flavors bloom for a couple of minutes. Pour in the marinara, stir, and let it simmer gently while you cook the spaghetti.

Step 3: Make the Spaghetti Crust

Cook your spaghetti in salted boiling water until it’s just al dente—don’t overcook here because it’ll cook more in the oven. Drain and toss it right back into the warm pot, adding butter and Parmesan to coat every strand with flavor. Then, add in whisked eggs and toss quickly to combine; this will help the crust bind once it bakes.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Fold about half of your meat sauce into the spaghetti, then press this mixture firmly into your greased pie pan—it forms a sturdy base. Next, spread the cheese mixture evenly over the top, followed by the remaining meat sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella and pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted. If you want a golden crust on top, broil it for just a few minutes—but keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve

This part is key! Let your cheesy spaghetti pie rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. It helps everything set perfectly so you get neat slices instead of a sloppy mess. Use a sharp knife or even a large spoon to serve generous portions.

Top Tip

From my experience, patience and good-quality ingredients make the biggest difference with this dish. The layering technique ensures every bite has balanced flavors and textures, while resting time is non-negotiable if you want prettier slices.

Proper Pasta Cook: Don’t boil spaghetti past al dente—it will become mushy post-bake and ruin the crust’s texture.
Drain Grease Well: After browning, drain your beef carefully to avoid a watery or greasy sauce.
Let it Rest: Giving the pie time to set prevents it from falling apart and makes serving much cleaner.
Broil with Care: If you want to brown the top cheese, broil for just 1-2 minutes and watch carefully to avoid burning.

How to Serve Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe

cheesy spaghetti pie - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to add a bit of color and brightness. Sometimes a dusting of extra Parmesan doesn’t hurt either—especially if you have cheese lovers around the table.

Side Dishes

This pie is quite filling, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli to add freshness and balance. Garlic bread on the side is welcome for a more indulgent meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this pie in mini ramekins for individual servings — super fun and fancy! Another idea is layering it in a clear trifle dish for a party, so the beautiful layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese really shine through.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well for about 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. I always find the flavors deepen overnight, so it’s even better the next day. Just make sure to keep it tightly sealed to avoid drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen assembled but unbaked pies for up to 3 months with great success. Just defrost fully in the fridge before baking, then allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before popping it into the oven. To avoid cheese sticking to foil when covering, spritz the foil with cooking spray.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftovers is in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which keeps the crust from getting soggy. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you might lose that crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble your Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe but hold off on baking. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours or freeze for longer storage. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before baking so it cooks evenly.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta, a good substitute can be cottage cheese that’s been well drained, or even blending cream cheese with a bit of sour cream to mimic the creamy texture. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the spaghetti from getting soggy?

Make sure to cook the spaghetti just to al dente and drain thoroughly. Toss it immediately with butter, Parmesan, and eggs to lock in moisture and help form a crust. Also, don’t overfill the pie pan, as too much sauce can make it soggy.

Can I use a gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Yes! Just pick your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and be sure to cook it according to package instructions. Keep an eye during baking, as gluten-free pasta can sometimes dry out faster, so covering the dish while baking might help retain moisture.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give this Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe a try—it’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar without hours of work. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and totally adaptable. Every time I make it, I discover little tweaks that make it even better, and I’m excited for you to find your favorite way to enjoy it too!