Aunt T'S String Pie
A hearty and flavorful baked spaghetti casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses. This comforting dish features a savory sauce and tender pasta, perfect for family dinners or gatherings that enjoy classic Italian-American flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the meat is browned, stirring to separate the meat. Drain the fat.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce and tomato sauce; mix well.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, Romano cheese, beaten eggs, and butter; mix well.
- Spread the spaghetti mixture in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Spread Ricotta cheese over the top of the spaghetti layer.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the Ricotta cheese layer.
- Sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until the cheese melts and is bubbly, approximately 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you don't have Romano cheese, Parmesan can be used instead. To enhance the dish, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover spaghetti from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine can complement the flavors nicely. For a family-friendly dinner, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli. You can also explore similar flavors in Dot'S Spaghetti Casserole for more comforting options.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Aunt T'S String Pie can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt T'S String Pie contains roughly 588 calories, with 18g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value) and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 470mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Aunt T'S String Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time, assemble it, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
What can I use instead of spaghetti?
If you want to switch things up, you can use other types of pasta like penne or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta is also a great option if dietary restrictions are a concern. Just ensure to cook it according to package instructions before adding to the dish.
Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
Yes, Aunt T'S String Pie freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then cut into portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven until warmed through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).