Adriana’s Pasta Pie Recipe: A Delicious One-Dish Meal
Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 10
Description:
OH MY GOSH! This sensational recipe hails from Adriana’s restaurant on The Hill in St. Louis, one of the best Italian neighborhoods in the country. Adriana’s Pasta Pie is a comforting, flavorful dish that will leave you craving more—even after you’ve eaten your fill. With its savory meat crust and cheesy filling, this dish is truly unforgettable. It also comes with a generous batch of tomato basil sauce, which you can save and use as you wish. The secret? A delicious “meat crust” that will become your new favorite way to enjoy pasta pies. It’s easy to prep ahead, bake for just 15 minutes initially, and freeze for later. Trust us—once you’ve tasted this, you’ll be hooked!
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Pasta Shells, Meat, European, Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
Meat Crust
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 1/2 pounds |
| Fresh parsley leaves | 1/4 cup |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Eggs | 1 large |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Tomato Basil Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Minced garlic cloves | 3 cloves |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Crushed tomatoes in puree | 56 ounces (2 cans) |
| Tomato paste | 24 ounces (1 can) |
| Water | 20 ounces |
| Sugar | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Fresh basil leaf | 1 large leaf |
| Romano cheese, chunked | 1/2 cup |
Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked pasta (shells) | 3 cups |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1/2 pound |
| Provolone cheese, shredded | 1/2 pound |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/4 cup |
| Tomato basil sauce | 2 cups |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 776.1 kcal |
| Fat Content | 36.2 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 15.4 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 150.4 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1930.3 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 74 g |
| Fiber Content | 7.7 g |
| Sugar Content | 25.7 g |
| Protein Content | 42.5 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Crust
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, fresh parsley, bread crumbs, chopped onion, eggs, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the tenderness of the crust.
- Shape the Crust: Lightly grease a 10-inch pie plate or an 11” x 7” casserole dish. Transfer the meat mixture into the dish, then shape it into a thick, even crust that’s approximately 1 inch high, ensuring the edges are well-formed.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Basil Sauce
- Cook the Garlic and Red Pepper: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 4 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, sugar, and fresh basil leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add a chunk of Romano cheese to the sauce and let it simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer will meld the flavors beautifully, creating a rich and tangy sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Assemble the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta shells, shredded mozzarella, provolone, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, and 2 cups of the tomato basil sauce. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
- Fill the Crust: Carefully scoop the pasta mixture into the prepared meat crust, pressing it down lightly to ensure it is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bake the Pasta Pie
- Initial Bake: Place the filled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until the meat crust is fully cooked and the cheese has melted into a bubbly, golden top.
- Let It Cool: Once baked, allow the pasta pie to cool for at least 15 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes for cleaner slices when serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Top with Sauce: To serve, slice the pasta pie and top each slice with additional tomato basil sauce. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor.
- Optional Freezing Method: If you prefer to make this dish ahead of time, bake it for 15 minutes, then allow it to cool completely. Freeze the pie, and when you’re ready to enjoy it, bake it from frozen for an additional hour.
Tips for Success:
- Freezing Tip: Freezing the pasta pie after the initial bake is a great way to prepare it ahead of time for busy days. Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until heated through.
- Serving Suggestions: Adriana’s Pasta Pie is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
- Make It Your Own: While the original recipe is incredible as is, feel free to experiment with different cheeses or pasta shapes to suit your tastes.
Final Thoughts:
Adriana’s Pasta Pie is a showstopper—a savory, cheesy, and filling dish that brings the heart of Italian cuisine to your table. With its unique meat crust, this one-dish meal is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether served fresh out of the oven or reheated after being frozen, it’s a guaranteed hit that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the satisfaction of a meal that’s as delicious as it is satisfying.
Try This Recipe Today and Make Your Own “Meat Crust” Masterpiece!
