If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the creamy goodness of cheeses and the hearty satisfaction of a classic Italian meal, the Spaghetti Pie baked with Rich Ricotta and Melty Mozzarella Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe transforms simple spaghetti into a baked masterpiece, layered with luscious ricotta, tangy marinara, seasoned ground beef, and crowned with melted mozzarella for that irresistible golden finish. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for family dinners or special occasions when you want to impress with incredible flavor and a show-stopping presentation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The first part of the image shows a top view of a stainless steel pan with raw ground meat and chopped white onions side by side on a white marbled surface. The ground meat is pink with some darker spots of seasoning, and the onions are white and evenly chopped. In the second part, the same pan now holds cooked meat sauce with a rich red tomato base, showing a mix of finely crumbled brown meat and a thick, simmered texture spread evenly across the pan, still sitting on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in making this spaghetti pie sing with flavor and texture. From creamy cheeses adding smoothness to the rich meat sauce delivering warmth, every component is essential to this recipe’s magic.

Ricotta cheese: Provides a rich, creamy base that balances the hearty sauce perfectly.

Cream cheese: Adds extra silkiness and depth to the cheese layer.
Salt, dried basil, parsley, oregano, and pepper: Seasonings that bring out classic Italian flavors and aromatic notes.
Spaghetti: The star pasta that holds the pie together, cooked al dente to maintain just the right bite.

Butter: Adds richness and helps coat the pasta evenly for a luscious texture.
Eggs: Act as a binder so the pie holds its shape beautifully after baking.
Parmesan cheese: Introduces a salty, nutty punch that enhances every forkful.

Ground beef: The hearty protein base that makes this pie satisfying and filling.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed alongside the beef.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and complexity.
Hot sauce: A subtle kick that builds flavor without heat.

Worcestershire sauce: Contributes umami richness to the meat sauce.
Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend tying the sauce flavors together beautifully.
Marinara sauce: The bright tomato base that infuses the pie with its signature tangy essence.
Mozzarella cheese: Provides the iconic melty, gooey topping that makes this dish truly irresistible.

How to Make Spaghetti Pie baked with Rich Ricotta and Melty Mozzarella Recipe

The first image shows a silver pot filled with plain cooked spaghetti. The spaghetti is light yellow in color and looks soft and slightly shiny. The noodles are piled loosely, filling most of the pot. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. The second image shows a white plate filled with spaghetti mixed with meat sauce. The bottom layer is the light yellow spaghetti noodles arranged in a tangled way. The top layer is a thick, brownish-red meat sauce with visible pieces of ground meat and small chunks of tomato, spread unevenly over the noodles. The plate also sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Pan and Cheese Mixture

Begin by grabbing a deep 9 or 10-inch pie pan, or a similarly sized baking dish that can hold all those delicious layers. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, cream cheese and the blend of salt, basil, parsley, oregano, and pepper. This creamy layer is key for balancing the meats and pasta. Set this aside while you gather your remaining ingredients and preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti and Prepare Meat Sauce

Start boiling salted water for the spaghetti, aiming for al dente texture so the noodles remain firm once baked. While the pasta is cooking, season ground beef with salt and pepper, then brown it with diced onion in a hot skillet, breaking it up as you go. Drain the fat, reduce heat, and stir in garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning before adding marinara. Let this simmer uncovered for a few minutes, letting all those flavors meld together into a rich, savory sauce.

Step 3: Combine Pasta with Egg, Butter, Parmesan, and Sauce

Drain your cooked spaghetti and return it to the warm pot. Toss it with butter and Parmesan cheese for richness and flavor, then whisked eggs to help bind everything. Stir in about one and a half cups of the meat sauce mixture to lightly coat the noodles, making sure every strand is flavorful and prepared for assembly.

Step 4: Assemble the Spaghetti Pie Layers

Transfer the spaghetti mixture into your greased pie pan, pressing down firmly to create an even, packed layer. Next, carefully spread the ricotta and cream cheese mixture over the pasta like a creamy blanket, then pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the top. This layering is what makes the pie so special — each bite has a harmonious blend of pasta, cheese, and sauce.

Step 5: Top with Melty Mozzarella and Bake

Cover the top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring every inch is ready to melt and brown beautifully. Bake your pie uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling hot and melted. For an extra golden crust, broil for a few minutes at 450°F, but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. Once baked, let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to set before slicing and serving your masterpiece.

How to Serve Spaghetti Pie baked with Rich Ricotta and Melty Mozzarella Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley on top right before serving adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan can also elevate the cheesy flavors and create an inviting aroma that will have everyone eagerly grabbing a fork.

Side Dishes

This spaghetti pie is rich and filling, so pairing it with crisp green salads dressed in tangy vinaigrettes or roasted vegetables helps balance the meal. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls also complement the cheesy, saucy pie nicely, perfect for mopping up every last bit of marinara.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual family dinners, serve directly from the pie pan for a cozy, rustic appeal. For a more elegant touch, slice the pie into wedges and plate individually with a garnish of fresh greens and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You could even serve mini versions in muffin tins for fun party-sized bites—instant crowd-pleasers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Spaghetti Pie baked with Rich Ricotta and Melty Mozzarella Recipe, wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or place in airtight containers. Refrigerated, the pie keeps well for up to 3-4 days, maintaining both flavor and texture wonderfully for easy next-day meals.

Freezing

This dish also freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap the cooled pie tightly in foil and plastic wrap or store in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer, making it an ideal make-ahead comfort food option for busy days or unexpected guests.

Reheating

For reheating, thaw the pie overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm individual slices in a microwave or reheat the whole pie in a 350°F oven until heated through and the cheese is gooey again. Cover with foil halfway through reheating to prevent over-browning, then remove the foil near the end to refresh the golden top layer.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly for this pie, feel free to swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even penne for a slightly different texture. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well during baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the ground beef and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant to your marinara sauce instead. This will keep the dish hearty and flavorful without meat.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You bet. You can assemble the pie up to a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate it. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if starting from cold.

What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?

If you’re missing cream cheese, you can use an extra ¼ cup of ricotta or substitute with mascarpone for a similar creamy effect. Just keep the seasoning robust to balance the flavors.

How spicy is the hot sauce in this recipe?

The hot sauce is added primarily for depth rather than heat, so it won’t make the dish spicy. It enhances the savory profile subtly and can be adjusted to your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti Pie baked with Rich Ricotta and Melty Mozzarella Recipe truly wins hearts with every comforting, cheesy bite. It’s a wonderful way to elevate classic spaghetti into a stunning baked dish that feels special yet remains wonderfully easy to prepare. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe—your family and friends will be asking for seconds in no time!