Spaghetti Pie Casserole
A hearty, cheesy spaghetti casserole with savory ground beef, vegetables, and flavorful sauce, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 15 1/2 oz. jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 c. cottage cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain and place in a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Stir in butter, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and beaten egg; spread evenly in the pan.
- Saute ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper in vegetable oil until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir spaghetti sauce, oregano, sugar, and garlic salt into the ground beef mixture.
- Spread cottage cheese over the top of the spaghetti mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or even use leftover cooked beef from dishes like Beef Biscuit Roll-Ups. Ensure the spaghetti is cooked al dente to hold its texture during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Spaghetti Pie Casserole with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Barbeque Meat Loaf for a comforting dinner spread. For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, or microwave in individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Pie Casserole contains roughly 545 calories, with 24g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1629mg per serving (71% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you prefer, ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute for cottage cheese, offering a creamier texture. You could also use a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a richer flavor.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
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).