Cheesy Spaghetti Pie with Meat Sauce

SHARE A PIECE OF PIE FOR DINNER

CHEESY SPAGHETTI PIE WITH MEAT SAUCE
Cook's Notes: Splurge with a pie slice enjoyed as a main meal. Spaghetti Pie is a cross between lasagna and spaghetti reconfigured into a pie using the same delicious flavors of your favorite dishes. Make the meat sauce the day before for flavors to meld. I used whole wheat spaghetti noodles for a bit healthier version. Spaghetti squash would be even a healthier alternative as well as spiralized veggies. I used a lightly greased glass 9-inch pie pan.

Whole wheat spaghetti noodles has 37 carbs and 1 cup =172 calories

Enriched spaghetti noodles have 43 carbs and 1 cup =220 calories 

And FYI Rao Marinara Sauce gets the highest ratings for jarred sauce on the grocery shelf.

Recipe adapted Food Network September 2022

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 8 oz. spaghetti 
• 1 beaten egg
• 1-1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1-1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 lb. Italian sweet sausage
• 1 jar Marinara sauce, good quality 24 oz. 
• 3/4 cup diced sweet onion
• 1 cup mini peppers red and yellow combination
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Pinch of red pepper flakes 
• 1-1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes divided
• 1/2 teaspoon of each basil and Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar 
• 1/4 cup dry red wine

Directions;

Ricotta Cheese Filling

• Mix ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Meat Sauce

Can make a day ahead for flavors to meld.

• Cook Italian sausage, drain and crumble meat in a large fry pan. To the same pan add 1 tablespoon olive oil and saute peppers, onions, and garlic cloves until softened. Wipe pan clean of grease and add in marinara sauce, cooked meat, spices, sugar, and wine. On low heat cook sauce uncovered for 30 minutes. 
• Refrigerate or proceed to the pie stage. 
• Cook noodles whole do not break in 1 tablespoon of oil, add salt. Cook noodles until al dente and drain. 
• Place noodles in a greased pie pan and arrange them like a bird's nest. 
• Place ricotta cheese mixture on top and smooth out to the sides of noodles. 
• Use a slotted spoon, scoop out meat sauce leaving some liquid sauce behind and place on top of the ricotta cheese mixture. 
• Sprinkle with the rest of the Parmesan cheese and cheddar cheese.
• Bake uncovered for 26 minutes. 
• Let set 10 minutes as pie will be easier to slice.