Spaghetti Pie
Reduce, reuse, recycle, right? Does that count toward recipes for Spaghetti Pie?
Because when I identified the bag of frozen-solid mystery meat as chunks of crumbled meatloaf (and the bag? it was a bread bag from a new line of grainy breads I’m currently enjoying – Silver Hills – I bought mine at Co-Op)
it triggered a memory of spaghetti pie, which fit my dinner profile perfectly considering I also had frozen spinach and a container of freshly made ricotta and half a can of diced tomatoes in the fridge. Will you forgive me if I recycle the photos from two years ago? Because it looked EXACTLY THE SAME.
I’ve seen many versions of spaghetti pie, some in which the pasta is tossed with the sauce and cheese, then baked, others that have the crust par-baked first to crisp it up, and others with layers of cottage cheese between the noodles and sauce.
So I improvised: tossed the leftover spaghetti with some beaten egg, a bit of grated Parmesan, a grinding of pepper and a big spoonful of pesto, just because there was some open in the fridge and W is such a fan, then spread the spaghetti into an oiled pie plate, pushing it up the sides a bit to make a sort of crust.
Then I proceeded as if it were a lasagna – I crumbled some ricotta and thawed, squeezed-out spinach over the crust,
topped it with crumbled meatloaf, diced tomatoes and some leftover sauce…
and a little extra Parmesan with the grated part-skim mozzarella, and baked it at 350F for about half an hour, until all was golden, crispy-edged and bubbly. A Big Green Salad to go with.
This isn’t the first time I’ve planned something like this poorly; my Freezer Week* (*sadly not as exciting as Fleet Week) is coming to an abrupt end after two days. Or perhaps we’ll just put it on pause? Because looking at my calendar I have our Forage dinner tomorrow, Avenue mag’s 7th Annual Food Awards and then CHARCUT on Thursday, and I’m in Banff on Friday to do an event on Saturday. Sunday I’ll be back in the kitchen.
And tomorrow! I’ll take lots of pictures at Forage. Can’t wait! There are a couple tickets left if anyone wants to join us! Call Forage at 403-269-6551.
One Year Ago: I Don’t Want Earl’s Baby Pie
February 23 2010 06:05 pm | leftovers
Erica B. on 23 Feb 2010 at 7:56 pm #
I love spaghetti pie. Whoever said you couldn’t bake spaghetti has never experienced this little one dish wonder. I’ve been working on my freezer too – used up some of the collection of bananas tonight making marbled chocolate banana muffins.
Can’t wait for Forage tomorrow! Note to any procrastinators out there: Last I heard there was maybe one ticket left!
LisaMer on 23 Feb 2010 at 10:06 pm #
I LOVE Silver Hills. It’s been our staple bread for about 4 or 5 years now. You can get it in a two pack at Costco for $5.99!! The Big 16 is our fav, with Squirrelly a close second.
I can’t believe I have to miss out on dinner at Forage (*cry*). My DH is away on business and though he is suppose to be home in time, you can never rely on the airlines to come through. I hope you guys have an awesome night!!
Amber on 23 Feb 2010 at 10:32 pm #
Now I’m craving spaghetti pie…LOL. Yum.
Any tips on which frozen spinach tastes the best? I bought Western Family and its rather…chewy. I was trying to make Gomae but really had to chew…a lot…to eat it. I’m willing to splurge on better stuff – any suggestions? Also, what is the best way to thaw it? Just leave it in the fridge overnight?
Kathy on 24 Feb 2010 at 6:31 am #
I remember buying Silver Hills bakery bread starting in the early 90’s or thereabouts…..and have bought it off and on over the years since…
Jan (Family Bites) on 24 Feb 2010 at 6:45 am #
For a throw-together dinner, I would say this turned out great. I love that you added pesto to the noodles….
JulieVR on 24 Feb 2010 at 8:39 am #
Amber – I usually just freeze fresh bagged spinach, and don’t buy the stuff that comes already frozen – just toss the whole bag into the freezer! I most often don’t thaw it – just toss it into a hot pan or soup directly from the freezer – but this time sat a bunch in the colander in the sink – it thaws pretty quickly.
Barb on 24 Feb 2010 at 9:14 am #
Great idea! That mind of Julie’s is always coming up with good ideas.
Pam on 24 Feb 2010 at 10:18 am #
I can’t wait to hear how CHARCUT is! Be sure to let us know. I think I’ll take my husband on a date night and go check it out!
Jill on 24 Feb 2010 at 10:41 am #
I can honestly say I have never had Spaghetti Pie or even heard of it until now. I can also honestly say I will be making it very soon.
Beverley M on 24 Feb 2010 at 11:36 am #
Have fun at Forage! It would be fun if I lived closer….
pauline on 24 Feb 2010 at 12:20 pm #
Great idea Julie. Now I wont end up throwing away half the box. Forage will be great can’t wait to hear all.
jacquie on 24 Feb 2010 at 9:58 pm #
I’ve always meant to make this, a combination of my son’s two favourite foods: spaghetti and pie. It’s been a great couple of days here Julie. First, my new cupcake calendar came in the mail and got rave reviews all round.It has a place of honour in the kitchen. Today my Blog Aid cookbook arrived AND Canada’s men hockey team won over Russia. Happy, happy day!
Amber on 25 Feb 2010 at 12:54 am #
What a great idea! And so easy. This is why I love reading your recipes and comments…you keep it simple and yummy! Thanks.
Nishta on 25 Feb 2010 at 7:48 am #
A few years ago, my partner Jill read an article about a college professor who taught a class about frugality and simplicity–the texts used were from all different world traditions that preach the virtue of stripping down, slowing down, and working with what you have instead of acquiring more, more, more.
The professor required the students to take on a “frugality project” as part of the class. They would go a whole week without spending any money, learn to make their own clothes, etc. We were both inspired and so instituted “no buy” weeks, where we eat out of our pantry & freezer only. It’s how I learned to bake bread!
Love the creativity & feeling of self-sufficiency that comes with freezer week. Thanks for reminding me, Julie–it’s time for us to do another one!
Shaina on 27 Feb 2010 at 4:06 pm #
Yum! We make a similar dish but top it with pizza toppings and call it spaghetti pizza. This looks like something my husband and I would enjoy more but still fit the “cheap and easy” mindset that goes along with ours. Total comfort food.
Weekly Dinner Menu Plan: 3/1/10 | Food for My Family on 28 Feb 2010 at 8:58 pm #
[...] ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. Monday – Turkey Salad on greens Tuesday – Spaghetti Pie, green salads Wednesday – Red Lentil Soup using turkey broth, Onion Rolls Thursday – Turkey [...]
Jamie Z on 23 Mar 2010 at 1:24 pm #
This is the first time I have made spaghetti pie. It was great. Thanks for the recipe and inspiration!