Spaghetti Pie Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic, Reimagined
This recipe takes the beloved comfort food, spaghetti, and transforms it into a delicious and impressive spaghetti pie. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. We'll explore how to make this easy yet elegant meal, focusing on simple techniques and readily available ingredients.
Why Choose a Spaghetti Pie?
Forget the usual spaghetti and meatballs! A spaghetti pie offers several advantages:
- Ease of Preparation: While it might seem complex, the process is surprisingly straightforward, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Portion Control: This recipe is perfect for portioning, making it easy to serve individual servings or larger portions for families.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the filling in advance and assemble the pie just before baking, saving you time on busy days.
- Presentation: A spaghetti pie is a visually appealing dish, perfect for impressing guests. The golden crust complements the savory filling beautifully.
- Leftovers are Great: The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers even better!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses common ingredients, easily found at your local grocery store.
For the Spaghetti Filling:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage for a richer flavor)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Crust:
- 1 box (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (or you can make your own!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's create your delicious spaghetti pie!
Preparing the Spaghetti Filling:
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (or sausage) over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Everything: Stir in the cooked spaghetti, Parmesan cheese, and parsley (if using).
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Pie Pan: Place one pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate.
- Add the Filling: Pour the spaghetti mixture into the pie crust.
- Top with Crust: Cover with the second pie crust. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the flavor and nutrition by adding vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat sauce.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Cheese Please: Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese over the top crust before baking for extra cheesy goodness.
- Make it a Deep Dish: Use a deep-dish pie plate for a heartier pie.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with lentils or vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your spaghetti pie warm with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
This comprehensive guide ensures your spaghetti pie is a resounding success. Remember to share your culinary creations – we'd love to see your photos! Happy baking!
