Description
A hearty and comforting Spaghetti Pie Bake combining al dente spaghetti, savory ground meat with marinara, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners and meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup marinara sauce (divided from total 2 cups)
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce (remaining half)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and stir in half (1 cup) of the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, fresh or dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Pie: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce. In the greased baking dish, layer half of the sauced spaghetti, then spread the ricotta mixture evenly over it. Top with the remaining spaghetti and then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top. Remove and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey for a lighter variation.
- Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor, but dried basil works well too if fresh is unavailable.
- Let the pie cool for a few minutes after baking to make slicing easier.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
