Baked Spaghetti Pie is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines the best elements of classic pasta, savory meat sauce, and rich, cheesy topping into a single comforting casserole. A cross between a pasta bake and a pie, this recipe is beloved for its satisfying layers of flavor and texture. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family, hosting a potluck, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish is a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice.

The origins of baked spaghetti dishes can be traced to Italian-American cuisine, where cooks sought innovative ways to use spaghetti and transform it into a meal centerpiece. This recipe elevates traditional spaghetti by layering it with a creamy béchamel sauce, minced meat filling, and melted cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.

With its universal appeal and nourishing ingredients, Baked Spaghetti Pie has stood the test of time, bringing people together at dinner tables worldwide. Let’s dive into the details and master this timeless comfort food.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients (Serves 6)

For the Spaghetti Base:

• Spaghetti: 200 g (7 oz)
• Eggs: 4
• Spring Onions: 2-3 stalks, chopped

For the Meat Sauce:

• Minced Meat: 400 g (14 oz)
• Onion: 1, finely chopped
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced
• Carrot: 1, grated
• Bell Pepper: ½, diced
• Tomato: 1, chopped
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• Milk: 450 ml (1¾ cups)
• Butter: 50 g (¼ cup)
• Flour: 4 tbsp (30 g)
• Grated Cheese: 100 g (1 cup)
• Smoked Paprika: ½ tsp
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste

Preparation and Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prep Time

Set aside approximately 20 minutes to prepare the ingredients. Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic, grating the carrot, dicing the bell pepper, and chopping the tomato and spring onions. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
2. Drain the spaghetti and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl, then toss the cooled spaghetti with the eggs and chopped spring onions. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the minced meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
3. Stir in the onion, garlic, grated carrot, bell pepper, and tomato. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in half of the grated cheese, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

1. Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish to form the base layer.
2. Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti base, spreading it evenly.
3. Pour the béchamel sauce over the meat layer, ensuring it covers the surface completely.
4. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top.

Step 6: Bake the Pie

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
2. Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Timing Breakdown

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Yield and Nutrition Information

• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 430 kcal
• Macronutrients (per serving):
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 3 g

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Baked Spaghetti Pie is timeless because it combines simplicity, comfort, and creativity in one dish. Its layered structure adds a sophisticated twist to everyday ingredients, making it both practical for weeknight dinners and impressive enough for special occasions.

The recipe is adaptable, allowing cooks to swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences or seasonal availability. Substitute minced meat with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives, and experiment with vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. The flexibility and universal appeal of the dish ensure its lasting place in home kitchens.