Spaghetti Pie

I had heard of Spaghetti Pie, but didn’t really know what it was, so I started searching the internet.  This creative pasta casserole is a great alternative to lasagna—and it’s a lot simpler too.  This turned out great and I will definitely make again.  Perfect with a side salad and crusty bread!

SERVES:  6 to 8

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

This grand-prize winning pasta casserole recipe takes the classic flavors of meaty lasagna and turns them into a quick and easy Spaghetti Pie. For the pasta crust, we used ultra-thin vermicelli because it cooks quickly and packs down to a dense, easy-to-slice crust when combined with butter, garlic, egg, Parmesan, and basil. Using lean ground beef in the sauce ensured the Spaghetti Pie wouldn’t be greasy. Finally, liberally seasoning the pasta water ensured an all around great-tasting Spaghetti Pie.

GATHER YOUR INGREDIENTS

Pasta Crust

  • Table salt
  • 4 ounces vermicelli, broken into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil

Filling

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped fine
  • ½ pound 90% lean ground beef
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 ½ cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

To keep the vermicelli from flying all over the kitchen, wrap the noodles in a clean dish towel before attempting to break them into shorter lengths.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. For the crust: Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Bring 2 quarts water to boil in large saucepan. Add 1 teaspoon salt and vermicelli and cook until al dente. Drain well.
  2. Combine cooked vermicelli, garlic, butter, Parmesan, egg, and basil in medium bowl. Press mixture into deep 10-inch pie plate. Bake until crust has set, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool while making filling.
  3. For the filling: Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add beef and cook until lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and sugar and simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in basil and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Stir ricotta, egg, and oregano together in small bowl. Spread ricotta mixture over pasta crust. Top with meat sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella. Bake until golden brown on top, about 25 minutes. Cool 15 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve.
  5. Stir ricotta, egg, and oregano together in small bowl. Spread ricotta mixture over pasta crust. Top with meat sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella. Bake until golden brown on top, about 25 minutes. Cool 15 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve.