Easy Spaghetti Pie With Ricotta Cheese
If you're looking for a quick and easy meal that's both delicious and filling, look no further than spaghetti pie with ricotta cheese. This classic Italian dish is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for any night of the week. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite toppings and ingredients.
Ingredients
To make spaghetti pie with ricotta cheese, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
Instructions
Here's how to make easy spaghetti pie with ricotta cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it's al dente.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, milk, eggs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- If you're using ground beef or Italian sausage, cook it in a large skillet until it's browned and fully cooked. Drain the fat.
- Add the spaghetti sauce to the skillet with the meat and heat until it's warmed through.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it to the bowl with the cheese mixture. Toss until the spaghetti is fully coated.
- Grease a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
- Pour the spaghetti sauce and meat mixture on top of the spaghetti, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the spaghetti pie for 30-35 minutes, or until it's heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the spaghetti pie cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about spaghetti pie with ricotta cheese is that it's easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add some chopped vegetables, like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use a different kind of pasta, like penne or rotini, instead of spaghetti.
- Add some fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, to the cheese mixture for a pop of color and flavor.
- Top the spaghetti pie with some extra shredded cheese or breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden crust.
- Make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding some extra veggies and a meatless spaghetti sauce.
Conclusion
Spaghetti pie with ricotta cheese is a delicious and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and some customization ideas, you can make a meal that everyone in your family will love. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover spaghetti or cheese. Give it a try tonight!
