This Spaghetti Pie

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Spaghetti Pie:

Introduction:

This Spaghetti Pie is a fun and hearty twist on classic spaghetti. With a crispy spaghetti crust, a rich and savory meat sauce, and a cheesy topping, it’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Spaghetti Crust:

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparation Tips:

  1. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook the spaghetti as it will bake further in the oven.
  2. Customize the Meat Sauce: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
  3. Cheese Options: Swap ricotta with cottage cheese or use a blend of shredded cheeses for the topping.
  4. Use a Springform Pan: For easy serving and a perfect pie shape, bake in a springform pan.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or springform pan.
  2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the spaghetti with eggs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Press the mixture into the prepared pie dish, forming a crust.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
  2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  3. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

  1. Spread the ricotta or cottage cheese over the spaghetti crust.
  2. Top with the meat sauce, spreading it evenly.
  3. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Let the pie cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Description:

This Spaghetti Pie is a delightful combination of crispy spaghetti crust, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a dish that takes comfort food to the next level, offering a creative way to enjoy spaghetti in pie form.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 380
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 6g

(Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pie up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze spaghetti pie?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked pie in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a vegetarian version.

4. What if I don’t have a pie dish?
Use a square or rectangular baking dish instead. The shape will be different, but the flavors will remain delicious.

5. Can I add extra cheese?
Of course! Add more mozzarella or even provolone for an extra cheesy pie.

Recommendations:

  1. Serve with Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment.
  2. Add a Salad: Pair with a Caesar salad or mixed greens for a balanced meal.
  3. Experiment with Spices: Add red pepper flakes for heat or fennel seeds for a more Italian flavor.

Conclusion:

This Spaghetti Pie is a creative, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best parts of pasta and pie into one irresistible meal. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a family or entertaining guests. Try it tonight for a comforting and delicious dinner!

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