Spaghetti Pie(Casserole)
A hearty and cheesy spaghetti casserole layered with ground beef, cottage cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. spaghetti ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 egg
- 1 pound cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 pound cooked ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1/4 green pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 4 oz. Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and mix with butter, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and beaten egg.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef; then drain and rinse.
- Cook the ground beef with chopped onion, green pepper, sugar, oregano, and garlic salt until the onion is soft.
- Layer in a casserole dish: first the spaghetti mixture, then cottage cheese, followed by the ground beef mixture, and finally the spaghetti sauce.
- During the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat spaghetti or swapping half the cottage cheese for ricotta. If you want to add more vegetables, spinach or zucchini would work well. You can also substitute the ground beef with turkey or a meat alternative for a healthier option. Enhance the flavor by adding crushed red pepper or Italian herbs, similar to those found in Cheesy Lasagna Pizza.
Serving Suggestions
This Spaghetti Pie pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for added nutrition. For those who enjoy Italian flavors, consider serving it alongside Vermicelli With Herb Meat Sauce for variety. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving adds a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Pie(Casserole) contains roughly 431 calories, with 28g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1877mg per serving (82% 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 freeze Spaghetti Pie?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, or bake directly from frozen, adding extra time.
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).