Cheesy Spinach and Beef Pasta Pie
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Cheesy Spinach and Beef Pasta Pie, a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti. This recipe, originally featured in the October/November 2001 issue of Taste of Home and credited to Carol Hicks, combines a rich ground beef and spinach filling, layered with a creamy cheese base, all nestled within a tender angel hair crust. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this savory pie is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor, making it sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Uncooked angel hair pasta
6 ounces (Cook according to package directions and drain.)
Eggs
2 (Lightly beaten.)
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (Grated.)
Ground beef
1 pound (Cook and drain.)
Chopped onion
1/2 cup (Fresh.)
Chopped green pepper
1/4 cup (Fresh.)
Meatless spaghetti sauce
1 (14-ounce) jar (Ready to use.)
Creole seasoning
1 teaspoon (Use pre-blended.)
Garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon (Dry.)
Dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (Use pre-dried.)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Use pre-dried.)
Cream cheese
1 (8-ounce) package (Softened.)
Frozen spinach
1 (10-ounce) package (Thawed and squeezed dry.)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (Ready to sprinkle.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the lightly beaten eggs and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
4
Grease a 9-inch deep dish pie plate and press the pasta mixture evenly onto the bottom and up the sides to form a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then set aside.
5
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onions and green peppers until the meat is browned and vegetables are softened. Drain any excess fat.
6
Stir in the meatless spaghetti sauce and seasonings (Creole seasoning, garlic powder, basil, and oregano). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
7
While the meat sauce cooks, between two pieces of waxed paper, roll out the softened cream cheese into a 7-inch circle.
8
Once the crust has baked, carefully place the rolled-out cream cheese on the bottom of the crust.
9
Spread the thawed and squeezed spinach over the cream cheese layer.
10
Pour the meat sauce over the spinach, spreading it evenly.
11
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
12
Return the assembled pie to the oven and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
13
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Spinach and Beef Pasta Pie?
It is a savory pie that uses angel hair pasta to form a crust, filled with a mixture of ground beef, spinach, cream cheese, and meatless spaghetti sauce, topped with mozzarella.
Who is the original creator of this recipe?
This recipe is credited to Carol Hicks and was originally featured in the October/November 2001 issue of Taste of Home.
How many servings does this pasta pie yield?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What type of pasta is best for the crust?
Six ounces of uncooked angel hair pasta is used to create the tender crust for this pie.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do you bind the pasta together for the crust?
The drained pasta is mixed with two lightly beaten eggs and 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to help it hold its shape.
What size pie plate is required for this recipe?
A 9-inch deep dish pie plate is recommended to accommodate all the layers.
How long should the pasta crust bake initially?
The pasta crust should be baked alone for 10 minutes before adding any fillings.
What vegetables are cooked with the ground beef?
The ground beef is cooked with 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 1/4 cup of chopped green pepper.
What seasonings are added to the meat sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with Creole seasoning, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano.
How long does the meat sauce need to simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
How is the cream cheese prepared for the filling?
The softened cream cheese is rolled out between two pieces of waxed paper into a 7-inch circle.
How should the frozen spinach be prepared?
The 10-ounce package of frozen spinach must be thawed and squeezed dry before being added to the pie.
What is the order of the layers in the pie?
The layers consist of the pasta crust, followed by the cream cheese circle, the spinach, the meat sauce, and finally the mozzarella cheese.
What kind of cheese goes on top of the pie?
Half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese is sprinkled on top before the final bake.
How long is the final baking time?
The assembled pie should be baked for 20-30 minutes.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
Should the pie be served immediately after baking?
It is best to let the pie cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Can I use a different type of spaghetti sauce?
Yes, while the recipe calls for a 14-ounce jar of meatless spaghetti sauce, you can use any variety you prefer.
Is the pasta cooked before being put into the pie plate?
Yes, the pasta should be cooked according to package instructions until al dente and drained well before mixing with eggs.
What is the purpose of the eggs in the pasta mixture?
The eggs act as a binder to ensure the angel hair pasta stays together to form a solid crust.
Can I substitute ground beef for another protein?
While the recipe specifies ground beef, you could substitute it with ground turkey or Italian sausage if desired.
How much Creole seasoning is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of pre-blended Creole seasoning.
Does the cream cheese need to be cold?
No, the cream cheese should be softened so it can be easily rolled into a 7-inch circle.
What makes this recipe unique compared to standard spaghetti?
The unique presentation as a pie with a pasta crust and distinct layers of cream cheese and spinach sets it apart from traditional spaghetti.
Is the Parmesan cheese fresh or from a can?
The recipe suggests using 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe requires 3/4 teaspoon of dry garlic powder.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
The recipe calls for dried basil and oregano, but you can use fresh herbs if you adjust the quantities (typically using three times more fresh than dried).
Do I need to grease the pie plate?
Yes, you should grease a 9-inch deep dish pie plate before pressing the pasta mixture into it.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as comfort food, a savory pie, and a family dinner dish.