Childhood Memories and Spaghetti Pie

Kids are curious little creatures.  If I tell my kids we are having Spaghetti for dinner I am more often that not met with resistance.  But, tell them we are having Spaghetti Pie and it is a  different story.  Who wouldn't want to have "pie" for dinner?  This was a very popular dish during my childhood.  I'm sure many of you have made it a million times and it was on your dinner rotation at one time or another.  My mom made this often when I was growing up and my brother and I loved it as much as my kids do.  Whenever I have this I am taken back to a simpler time, and as a busy mom to 4, any kind of simple is great.  Julie and I made this last week for our Supper Club clients and thought it might bring up some fond memories for you too. 

A disclaimer - I used to make this in a deep dish pie plate when my kids were younger, but as they and their appetites grew I doubled the ingredients that went into one pie and put it in a 9 x 13" dish.  I just found it easier than making 2 "pies."


Here is the recipe I use for a 9 x 13" dish:
1 pound Spaghetti
3 tablespoons butter
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 (16 ounce) package Mozzarella cheese, divided
2 pounds ground beef or sweet Italian sausage, I mix both
1 onion, chopped
1 (24 ounce) jar Spaghetti sauce or your homemade sauce. I use 2 1/2 cups of my homemade sauce I make and freeze.
1 (16 ounce) Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese, we use Ricotta


Cook and drain spaghetti, mix in a bowl with butter, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese.  



While pasta is cooking, brown ground beef and/or sausage with onion.  Add your pasta sauce and let simmer.  We like it thick and meaty.  If you like a thinner sauce you can use less meat or add a little water or tomato sauce. 


Press spaghetti mixture into the bottom and up the side of your 9 x 13 dish forming a shell.


Evenly spread the ricotta on top of the pasta and top with sauce mixture.  Top with the remaining 2 cups of Mozzarella.


Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes.


Enjoy!


Kim

Linked to the following parties:
Gooseberry Patch Recipes from home
Carole's Chatter Food on Friday