Spaghetti Pie is a delightful dish that turns traditional spaghetti into a baked casserole. Here’s a simple recipe for making a delicious Spaghetti Pie:
Spaghetti Pie:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (about 225g) spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (about 450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce. Toss until the spaghetti is well coated.
- Add Eggs and Parmesan:
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Then, stir in beaten eggs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Grease a deep-dish pie plate or a springform pan. Press the spaghetti mixture into the prepared dish to form a crust.
- Top with Mozzarella:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the spaghetti crust.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Let It Rest:
- Allow the Spaghetti Pie to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Slice into wedges and serve.
Spaghetti Pie is a fun and family-friendly way to enjoy the flavors of spaghetti in a different form. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients to the sauce or experimenting with different cheeses.