Baked Spaghetti Pie for Kids

Move over plain spaghetti night—baked spaghetti pie is here to make dinner more exciting! This family-favorite recipe turns classic spaghetti into a fun, sliceable pie loaded with savory sauce, creamy cheese, and crispy baked edges. It’s a creative twist on pasta that kids love and grown-ups enjoy just as much.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep, this baked spaghetti pie is easy to assemble, budget-friendly, and made without any pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol. And the best part? It’s just as good the next day.

🍝 What Is Spaghetti Pie?

Spaghetti pie is exactly what it sounds like: spaghetti baked in a pie dish with layers of sauce, cheese, and sometimes vegetables or meat. The noodles form a crust-like base that holds its shape when sliced. It’s everything you love about baked pasta—but with a kid-approved presentation that feels like pizza and lasagna rolled into one.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti Pie

✅ Kid-friendly – Sliced like pizza, but full of spaghetti
✅ Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
✅ Simple pantry ingredients
✅ No pork, bacon, or alcohol
✅ Great way to use leftover spaghetti
✅ Balanced with protein, carbs, and calcium

This is comfort food that fits into your weekly rotation with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need for a classic, meat-and-cheese baked spaghetti pie:

For the Spaghetti Crust:

• 8 oz (half a box) uncooked spaghetti

• 2 large eggs

• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite jarred or homemade)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Topping:

• 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Add-Ins:

• Diced bell peppers or spinach (mixed into the sauce)

• Red pepper flakes (for spice)

• Sliced olives or mushrooms (layered in the filling)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 9-inch pie dish or springform pan

• Medium pot for boiling pasta

• Skillet for browning meat

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk or fork

• Cheese grater

• Spatula

🧑‍🍳 How to Make Baked Spaghetti Pie (Step-by-Step)

🔥 Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

🍝 Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil the spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

🍳 Step 3: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 2 eggs

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• A pinch of salt and pepper

Add the cooked spaghetti to the egg mixture and toss to coat.

Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the greased pie dish to form a spaghetti “crust.” This will become firm and sliceable after baking.

🥩 Step 4: Cook the Filling

In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add ground beef (or turkey) and chopped onions. Cook for 6–8 minutes until meat is browned and onions are soft.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in:

• Marinara sauce

• Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper

Let simmer for 5 minutes to deepen the flavor. Remove from heat.

🧀 Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Layer the filling like this:

1. Spread the cottage or ricotta cheese evenly over the spaghetti crust.

2. Add the meat sauce layer.

3. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.

🔥 Step 6: Bake

Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

For a golden top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—but watch carefully!

🕒 Step 7: Let It Rest and Slice

Let the pie sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and hold its shape.

Slice into wedges and serve with a simple salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

👩‍🍳 Tips for the Best Spaghetti Pie

• Don’t overcook the pasta – It’ll continue cooking in the oven.

• Let it rest before slicing – Prevents messy slices.

• Use a springform pan – For perfect round slices.

• Add veggies – Mix into the sauce to sneak in extra nutrients.

• Make ahead – Assemble earlier in the day and bake at dinnertime.

🥦 Healthy Add-In Ideas for Kids

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Try mixing into the meat sauce:

• Grated zucchini (invisible to kids!)

• Finely chopped spinach

• Diced carrots or mushrooms

• Canned lentils (as a meat extender)

You can also use whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber.

🍴 What to Serve with Spaghetti Pie

Round out the meal with simple sides:

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls

• Steamed broccoli or green beans

• Side salad with ranch or Italian dressing

• Fruit salad or apple slices for dessert

🧊 How to Store & Reheat Spaghetti Pie

In the Fridge:

• Cool completely, then store in an airtight container.

• Keeps well for 3–4 days.

In the Freezer:

• Wrap whole pie or slices tightly in foil and place in a zip-top freezer bag.

• Freeze for up to 2 months.

• Thaw in fridge overnight and reheat in oven or microwave.

To Reheat:

• Oven: 350°F for 15–20 minutes

• Microwave: 60–90 seconds per slice

📊 Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings)

Note: Values may vary depending on ingredients used.

🙋‍♀️ FAQs About Spaghetti Pie

❓ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Just skip the meat and add extra veggies or a plant-based meat alternative.

❓ Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is certified gluten-free.

❓ What’s the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but feel free to mix in provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a little cheddar for extra flavor.

❓ Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble the pie and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.

❓ Will kids really eat this?

YES! Kids love the novelty of “spaghetti in a pie” and the cheesy, familiar flavors. It’s a fun way to serve pasta with minimal mess.

🧑‍🍳 Why Baked Spaghetti Pie Is the Perfect Family Meal

This dish brings together everything families love:

• Fun shape ✅

• Familiar taste ✅

• Easy to reheat ✅

• Balanced meal ✅

And unlike takeout or frozen meals, you control the ingredients. No preservatives, no mystery additives—just wholesome pasta, real cheese, and homemade sauce.

🍽️ Final Thoughts

If your family loves spaghetti but needs a fresh twist, this baked spaghetti pie is your answer. It’s hearty, satisfying, fun to serve, and endlessly customizable. Kids think it’s fun, adults love the cheesy comfort—and you’ll love how easy it is to pull off.

Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just changing up dinner routine, spaghetti pie is the kind of recipe that becomes a regular in your kitchen.