Italian-American Spaghetti Pie

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti noodles 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese 1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2.
   Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
5. 5.
   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
7. 7.
   In a greased 9-inch (23cm) pie dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti noodles evenly on the bottom.
8. 8.
   Pour the meat sauce over the noodles, spreading it out to create an even layer.
9. 9.
   Top the meat sauce with the remaining spaghetti noodles, pressing them down gently.
10. 10.
    Pour the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
11. 11.
    Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
12. 12.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
13. 13.
    Allow the spaghetti pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spaghetti noodles — Cook the noodles until al dente to ensure they hold their shape and texture in the pie.
• Ground beef — Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.
• Ricotta cheese — For a smoother texture, make sure to whisk the ricotta cheese until creamy before adding it to the pie.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a meat substitute of your choice.
• Customize the flavors by adding additional herbs and spices such as red pepper flakes or fresh basil.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal the next day.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as fontina or cheddar, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Serving advice

Serve the Spaghetti Pie warm, straight from the oven, for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

To create an appealing presentation, slice the Spaghetti Pie into wedges and arrange them on a serving platter. Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.