Spaghetti Pie With Ricotta Cheese And Spinach
If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal, look no further than spaghetti pie with ricotta cheese and spinach. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. It is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make this scrumptious dish.
Ingredients
To make spaghetti pie with ricotta cheese and spinach, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound of ground beef or turkey
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of chopped spinach
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
Note: You can substitute the ground beef or turkey with a vegetarian alternative or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make spaghetti pie with ricotta cheese and spinach:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, and beaten eggs. Mix well.
- Grease a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture onto the bottom of the dish.
- Add the meat sauce on top of the spaghetti mixture.
- Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top of the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the spaghetti mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Variations
You can customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Here are some variations to consider:
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti for a healthier option.
- Replace the ground beef or turkey with ground chicken or pork.
- Add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Use a different type of cheese like feta or cheddar.
- Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Conclusion
Spaghetti pie with ricotta cheese and spinach is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone. Follow the steps outlined in this article to make your own spaghetti pie and customize it to your liking. Enjoy!