Easy Spaghetti Pie
A hearty baked spaghetti pie combining savory veal, cheese, and flavorful herbs in a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine butter and hot cooked spaghetti.
- Add Parmesan cheese and beaten eggs; mix well.
- Press the mixture into a crust in a 10-inch pie plate.
- Spread cottage cheese over the crust.
- In a skillet, brown ground veal with chopped onion and green pepper.
- Remove veal mixture from skillet; wipe skillet clean.
- Return veal to skillet and cook until done and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and basil; heat through.
- Pour the meat sauce into the pie crust.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground veal and ground beef. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute. To save time, you can use pre-cooked spaghetti or leftover pasta. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish with a bit of heat. For a healthier twist, try incorporating spinach into the filling, making it a bit like a Skinny Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti pie with a side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a slice of crusty baguette pairs beautifully with this dish for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider a side of Pizza Dip for dipping, making it a well-rounded Italian dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pie can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If you're short on time, microwave individual slices for quicker reheating, but the oven method helps maintain the crust's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Spaghetti Pie contains roughly 486 calories, with 31g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), calcium (63% of the Daily Value), and protein (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 918mg per serving (40% 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 use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to veal. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since leaner meats may cook faster. This substitution keeps the dish healthy while still delivering great flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this spaghetti pie vegetarian, simply omit the ground veal and substitute it with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or your favorite vegetables. Add some beans for protein, and you can still enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal without meat.
Can the spaghetti pie be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the spaghetti pie before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake from frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. If baked, cool completely before freezing, and reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.
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).