Spaghetti Pie with Ricotta, Meat Sauce, and Mozzarella
A delicious Italian dish featuring layers of creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and gooey mozzarella, all nestled in a hearty pasta base, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 1 lb ground beef Choose lean beef for a healthier option.
Starch/Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti Opt for whole grain spaghetti for extra fiber.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- 1 tsp dried basil Toast briefly in the pan for enhanced flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano Toast briefly in the pan for enhanced flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning Toast briefly in the pan for enhanced flavor.
Liquids/Dairy
- 1 cup ricotta cheese Choosing whole-milk cheese gives a richer flavor.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For a gooey top layer.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced Sauté until translucent.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- 1 tbsp hot sauce Adjust to taste.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Use for added zing.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat for 7-10 minutes, breaking it into small pieces. Ensure it’s cooked through.
- Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Cooking
- Add marinara sauce, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, ricotta, and whisked eggs until well mixed.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture at the bottom, followed by half of the meat sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Notes
For a flavor boost, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top before baking. Customize by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the meat sauce for extra nutrition.