Spaghetti Crusted Ground Turkey Pie
A savory ground turkey pie featuring a crispy spaghetti crust, topped with melty mozzarella and flavorful seasoned turkey. This comforting dish combines Italian-inspired flavors with a hearty filling, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings that appreciate a satisfying, cheesy, and protein-packed meal.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. uncooked spaghetti ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon butter or oleo ⓘ
- 1 pound ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 4 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
- Mix beaten eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and warm cooked spaghetti.
- Pour the mixture into a generously buttered 9 x 1 1/4-inch pie plate.
- Pat the spaghetti mixture into the bottom and up the sides to the rim using the back of a spoon.
- Spread sour cream evenly over the bottom of the crust.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat butter or margarine over medium-high heat until melted.
- Crumble ground turkey into a skillet and add chopped green pepper and onion.
- Cook until the turkey is no longer pink; drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, garlic salt, and dried oregano to the skillet.
- Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the cooked turkey mixture over the sour cream layer.
- Cover the pie with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and bake until melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian herbs or spices to the turkey mixture. If you don't have ground turkey, ground beef or chicken can be used instead. You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, and feel free to incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. This dish also pairs well with a side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pie warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. For a delightful twist, consider serving alongside a side of Italian recipes like Sicilian Rice Balls or Pizzacato Pizza Casserole, enhancing the meal's Italian flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium heat for a few minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Crusted Ground Turkey Pie contains roughly 395 calories, with 22g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (51% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1603mg per serving (70% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie crust and the turkey filling in advance. Assemble the pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and follow the baking instructions. This makes it a convenient option for entertaining or busy weeknights.
Can I freeze the spaghetti pie?
Absolutely! After baking, let the pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 30-40 minutes.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you're out of Parmesan, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar salty and nutty flavor. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative that adds a cheesy taste without the calories. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
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).