Cheesy Spaghetti Meat Pie (Print-Friendly Version)

Imagine a dish that brings together the comforting textures of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a melty, rich cheese blend baked into one irresistible creation. That’s exactly what you get with this Cheesy Spaghetti Meat Pie (Print-Friendly Version). It’s the perfect blend of homestyle flavors and satisfying layers, all wrapped up in a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving something hearty after a long day or want to impress friends with a unique meal, this pie delivers warmth, taste, and a cozy hug from the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful Cheesy Spaghetti Meat Pie (Print-Friendly Version), you don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients. Each item is simple yet essential—bringing its own magic to the final flavor, texture, and look of the pie. From the al dente spaghetti to the luscious cheeses and savory meat sauce, these ingredients come together perfectly.

• 225 grams dried spaghetti noodles: The sturdy base that holds all the layers together with just the right bite.
• 2 teaspoons olive oil (plus extra for sautéing): Adds richness and helps prevent sticking while cooking the meat and pasta.
• 40 grams yellow onion, diced: Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Packs a fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the flavors together with an authentic Italian touch.
• 225 grams ground beef: The savory heart of the pie, delivering robust flavor and satisfying texture.
• 340 grams spaghetti sauce: Adds moisture and a bright, tangy tomato base that coats the pasta beautifully.
• 225 grams cottage cheese or whole milk ricotta: Adds creamy softness that mellows the acidity of the sauce.
• 225 grams shredded whole milk mozzarella, divided: For that irresistible melt and stretch.
• 115 grams shredded Parmesan cheese, divided: Infuses a sharp, nutty layer of flavor on top and within.
• 30 millilitres heavy cream: Enriches the cheese mixture for a velvety texture.
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the ingredients.
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish: A bright, fresh contrast to the rich pie.

How to Make Cheesy Spaghetti Meat Pie (Print-Friendly Version)

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta

First things first, set your oven to 175°C and let it preheat fully. While waiting, boil a large pot of salted water for your spaghetti. Cook the noodles until they’re just shy of al dente—about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package suggests. This ensures the pasta won’t overcook during baking. Once drained, toss the hot spaghetti with 2 teaspoons of olive oil plus a pinch of salt and pepper to keep it from sticking and add seasoning.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In a large sauté pan over medium heat, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Add diced onion seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking it until softened and fragrant—roughly 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning next, cooking for just 30 seconds until everything smells heavenly but the garlic hasn’t browned.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef and Simmer the Sauce

Add your ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, pour in the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer briefly, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to soak up the richness of the tomatoes.

Step 4: Mix the Cheesy Spaghetti Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked spaghetti noodles with the cottage or ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, and the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper, then toss everything gently until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy cheese mixture. This step ensures every bite gets that luscious, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Pie

Lightly grease a large pie pan to prevent sticking. Spread the spaghetti cheese mixture evenly across the bottom. Spoon and spread the prepared meat sauce on top of the spaghetti layer, making sure it covers the surface well. Scatter the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the meat layer. Cover the pie tightly with foil to keep the cheese from overbrowning during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The pie is ready when it’s heated through, the cheese is melted completely, and the edges bubble invitingly. If you love a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping, uncover the pie and broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes—keep an eye on it to avoid burning!

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the layers set so your slices hold together nicely. Just before serving, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for a colorful, flavorful finishing touch.

How to Serve Cheesy Spaghetti Meat Pie (Print-Friendly Version)

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley lends a bright contrast to the rich, cheesy layers, while additional Parmesan adds a salty, savory finish. For a pop of color and an herbaceous note, try adding fresh basil or oregano alongside the parsley. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving can also enhance the overall flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

This pie is fairly hearty, so lighter sides compliment it best. Think crisp green salad with a vinaigrette, roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables, or even a simple cucumber and tomato salad. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a classic pairing to scoop up any extra sauce and make the meal feel extra indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get creative with your presentation of the Cheesy Spaghetti Meat Pie (Print-Friendly Version), consider using individual ramekins for personal-sized portions. You can also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs mixed with herbs on top before baking for a crunchy surprise. For a fun twist, let guests add their own garnishes or a drizzle of hot sauce to customize each slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any uneaten pie can be stored in an airtight container or covered tightly with foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors bond even more overnight, making it an excellent next-day meal. Be sure to reheat slices gently to maintain the creamy texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap the entire pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For reheating, the oven is your best friend. Place the pie slices on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying, and warm at 175°C for 15–20 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but may make the texture less appealing.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked spaghetti for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, using leftover spaghetti can save you prep time and allows the pasta to absorb more flavor from the cheese and sauce layers during baking.

What type of cheese is best for the pie?

The combination of whole milk mozzarella, Parmesan, and either cottage cheese or ricotta provides the perfect balance of meltiness, creaminess, and sharp flavor essential for this pie.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a meat alternative. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to keep the flavors rich and satisfying.

How can I prevent the cheese from burning on top?

Covering the pie with foil during baking helps protect the cheese from overbrowning. If you want a browned topping, remove the foil only during the last couple of minutes and watch carefully.

Can I prepare this pie in advance for a party?

Definitely. Assemble the pie a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh just before serving for warm, gooey perfection.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend enough trying this Cheesy Spaghetti Meat Pie (Print-Friendly Version) if you’re looking for a family-friendly, comforting, and utterly delicious meal. The blend of cheeses, seasoned ground beef, and perfectly cooked spaghetti baked together creates a dish that’s both nostalgic and excitingly new at the same time. Once you make it, it’s sure to become your go-to recipe for cozy dinners and happy gatherings. So preheat that oven and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure comfort!