There’s something so wonderfully cozy and satisfying about a baked pasta dish that just hits the spot every time. This Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe is like your favorite comfort meal transformed into a sliceable, cheesy pie that’s perfect for sharing. It’s rich, layered, and oh-so-delicious — you won’t be able to stop at just one slice!

This image shows a round white dish filled with a baked layered casserole similar to lasagna, placed on a white marbled surface. The top layer is a thick, bubbly melted cheese that is golden and slightly browned in spots with sprinkles of green herbs. Underneath this cheese layer is a rich, textured tomato sauce mixed with ground meat, visible where one triangular slice is lifted from the dish, held by a woman's hand spatula. The layers below the cheese include a deep red sauce with hearty meat bits, giving the dish a dense, layered look. The cheese layer covers the entire surface evenly, with the edges browned from baking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe countless times, especially on busy weeknights when I want something hearty but fuss-free. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, and the layers of cheese, seasoned meat sauce, and buttery spaghetti create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Layered Flavor Explosion: Each bite has the perfect blend of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender spaghetti that bakes into a golden crust.
Hands-On Yet Easy: It looks impressive but comes together with straightforward steps and accessible ingredients.
Comfort Food Made New: This pie reinvents a classic pasta dinner into a fun, sliceable dish perfect for family dinners or casual parties.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it in advance and bake later, which totally saves the day when you’re swamped.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here comes from simple but quality ingredients that stack up perfectly. Choosing fresh cheeses, good-quality marinara, and perfectly cooked pasta lets each layer shine without too much fuss. Shopping tip? Grab block cheeses where you can and grate them yourself for the best melt and flavor.

Flat lay of uncooked dry spaghetti noodles neatly coiled, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh ricotta cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of cream cheese, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of raw ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl containing diced yellow onion, four peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red marinara sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with golden melted butter, and a small white ceramic bowl with a mix of dried basil, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ricotta cheese: Offers a creamy, mild layer that balances the tanginess of the tomato sauce.
Cream cheese: Adds richness and helps bind the cheese layer smoothly.
Spaghetti: The base of the pie, cooked al dente to hold its shape when baking.
Butter: Tossed with pasta to keep it silky and add flavor.
Eggs: Act as a binder so your pie holds together beautifully.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth to the pasta crust.
Ground beef: The savory core of the meat sauce, seasoned for extra flavor.
Yellow onion and garlic: Build that cozy savory base in the sauce.
Hot sauce (mild amount): A secret flavor booster without heat.
Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning: Add complexity and brighten the meat sauce.
Marinara sauce: The rich tomato base; choose a quality brand for best results.
Mozzarella cheese: Creates that golden, bubbly cheesy top everyone loves.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I love making this Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. You can make it your own by swapping ingredients or adding extras based on what’s in your fridge or your dietary needs — and it always turns out fantastic.

Variation: I sometimes swap half the ground beef for Italian sausage when I want a bit more spice and complexity; it’s always a hit with guests!
Vegetarian: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers with the same seasonings — the texture and flavor still feel hearty and satisfying.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and check the marinara sauce ingredients to keep it safe but just as tasty.
Cheese Lovers: Mix in a little sharp provolone or asiago cheese into the topping for an extra cheesy punch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe

A slice of layered spaghetti casserole sits on a white square plate over another white square plate. The bottom layer is twisted cooked spaghetti in a red tomato sauce mixed with bits of browned meat. Above that is a layer of melted cheese mixed with the sauce, and the top layer is a glossy, golden-brown, melted cheese sprinkled lightly with green herbs. The background shows a green herb out of focus on a white marbled surface and part of a white baking dish with more casserole inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Build Your Cheese Layer

Start by mixing together the ricotta, cream cheese, and seasonings (salt, basil, parsley, oregano, and pepper) in a bowl. It’s a quick step but so important—it gives the pie that creamy, luscious center that contrasts beautifully with the meaty sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

Sear the ground beef with diced onion until browned and fragrant—make sure to break it up well. Then, after draining any excess fat, add garlic, the hot sauce, Worcestershire, and Italian seasoning. Finish off with the marinara sauce and let it simmer gently while you cook the pasta. This step amps up the flavors and lets everything meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the Spaghetti Crust

Drain the spaghetti once cooked al dente, and toss it with butter and freshly grated Parmesan. Adding whisked eggs while the pasta is still warm helps bind the strands together when baked, giving your pie a nice 'crust' that holds its shape while staying tender—not mushy!

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Mix about half of the meat sauce into the spaghetti, then press this mixture firmly into a greased deep pie pan or baking dish. Next, spread the ricotta mixture evenly on top, followed by the remaining meat sauce. Don’t fret if your pan feels full—that means your pie is going to be wonderfully rich and indulgent.

Step 5: Top & Bake

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese liberally over the top. Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted. If you want a golden-brown finish, a quick broil for a couple of minutes does the trick—just keep an eye on it!

Step 6: Let It Rest

Patience here pays off! Allow the pie to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking so it firms up and slices cleanly. Trust me, this little wait makes serving so much easier and less messy.

Top Tip

After making this Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few tricks that keep the pie tasty, well-structured, and easy to slice. These tips will save you a headache and guarantee a crowd-pleasing dish every time.

Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: Cooking spaghetti al dente is crucial because it continues softening in the oven; overcooked pasta leads to a mushy pie.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and gives a superior texture compared to pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.
Press the Spaghetti Firmly: When you pack the pasta layer in the pan, press firmly so the pie holds its shape nicely when sliced.
Rest Before Serving: This helps the layers set up and keeps the slices intact, making serving much neater.

How to Serve Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe

cheesy spaghetti pie - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped basil or flat-leaf parsley on top just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herb flavor. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes also adds a nice finishing touch if you want a hint of heat.

Side Dishes

For sides, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Garlic bread or a simple roasted vegetable medley also pairs well and rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes make mini versions of this pie in individual ramekins—perfect for portion control and added dinner party flair. You can also serve slices on rustic wooden boards alongside a bottles of wine for a cozy, inviting dinner vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I usually cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap to keep it moist and prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too—just assemble the pie but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

I reheat leftover slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the crust crisp and cheese melty. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the crust a bit soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this pie?

Yes! While spaghetti works best for the traditional pie texture, you can substitute other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Just make sure to cook al dente and pack it firmly in the pan.

What kind of cheese melts best for the top layer?

Use low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella cheese for the best melt and browning. Avoid fresh mozzarella as it releases too much moisture and can make the topping watery.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or your favorite veggies. Season and cook them just like the meat to keep the sauce flavorful and satisfying.

How long will the leftover spaghetti pie last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Recipe feels so special because it transforms everyday pasta and meat sauce into something festive and fun—yet it’s completely doable any night of the week. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do. It’s comforting, cheesy, and just plain happy food that brings people together. Give it a try—you might just find a new family favorite!