Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Spaghetti: Cooked and drained to form the base of the pie.

Parmesan cheese: Grated to add a salty, nutty flavor to the crust.

Eggs: Beaten to help bind the spaghetti crust together.

Ricotta cheese: Spread over the spaghetti crust for a creamy layer.

Mozzarella cheese: Shredded and used as a melty, bubbly topping.

Ground beef: Cooked with onions to create a hearty filling.

Onion: Chopped and cooked with the ground beef for added flavor.

Marinara sauce: Mixed with the beef to create a rich, tomatoey filling.

When forming the spaghetti crust, make sure to press it firmly and evenly into the pie dish. This ensures that the crust holds together well and provides a sturdy base for the ricotta cheese and beef mixture.

• cooked and drained spaghetti - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb alternative that can provide a similar texture while adding more vegetables to the dish.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative to parmesan.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This works as a binding agent and is suitable for those avoiding eggs.

• ricotta cheese - Substitute with cottage cheese: Cottage cheese has a similar texture and can be blended to achieve a smoother consistency, making it a good substitute for ricotta.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone has a similar melting quality and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for mozzarella.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option that can provide a similar texture and flavor when seasoned properly.

• chopped onion - Substitute with chopped shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can be a good alternative to onions.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning: Crushed tomatoes mixed with Italian seasoning can mimic the flavor and consistency of marinara sauce.

• Allow the spaghetti pie to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the crust soggy.

• Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Ensure there are no gaps to keep the pie fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.

• For added protection, place the wrapped pie in an airtight container or a large zip-top bag.

• Store the spaghetti pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or the entire pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

• To freeze, first cool the spaghetti pie completely.

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer wrapping helps prevent freezer burn.

• Label the wrapped pie with the date and contents to keep track of its freshness.

• Place the wrapped pie in a freezer-safe container or a large zip-top freezer bag for extra protection.

• Freeze the spaghetti pie for up to 2-3 months. For best results, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• Reheat the thawed pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover spaghetti pie in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
  3. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the mozzarella get bubbly and slightly golden.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a slice of spaghetti pie on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to keep the moisture in.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check the temperature and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place a slice of spaghetti pie in the skillet, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5-7 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place a slice of spaghetti pie in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook. This method will give you a crispy crust and gooey cheese top.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the spaghetti pie slice on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray.
  3. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the pie is heated through.

• Oven: Used to bake the spaghetti pie at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the cooked spaghetti, parmesan cheese, and beaten eggs.

• Pie dish: Serves as the mold for forming the spaghetti crust and holding all the layers of the pie.

• Skillet: Necessary for cooking the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring the beef mixture and spreading the ricotta cheese over the spaghetti crust.

• Measuring cups: Important for accurately measuring ingredients like parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce.

• Cheese grater: Needed if you are grating fresh parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.

• Knife: Used for chopping the onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion.

• Colander: Helps in draining the cooked spaghetti.

• Baking sheet: Can be placed under the pie dish to catch any drips while baking.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the pie dish in and out of the oven.

• Cooling rack: Allows the pie to cool evenly after baking.

Cook in advance: Prepare the ground beef and chopped onion mixture the night before and store it in the fridge.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded mozzarella cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Opt for jarred sauce: Use a quality marinara sauce from a jar to cut down on prep time.

Boil pasta ahead: Cook the spaghetti earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge until ready to use.

One-pan method: Cook the ground beef and onion in the same skillet to reduce cleanup time.