Friendship Spaghetti Pie

18 1 minute read

Friendship Spaghetti Pie

This Friendship Spaghetti Pie takes everything you love about classic spaghetti and meatballs and turns it into a rich, layered baked dish. With a buttery spaghetti “crust,” a creamy ricotta center, and a flavorful meat sauce topped with melted mozzarella, every bite is warm and satisfying. The recipe makes two pies—perfect for sharing with someone special or saving one for later.

Ingredients

1 lb dry spaghetti
1 lb lean ground beef
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 small yellow onion, diced
1 (32 oz) jar marinara sauce
4 large eggs, beaten
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 (9-inch) aluminum pie pans

Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, following package directions. Drain well, then immediately toss with butter until fully melted and evenly coated. Set aside.

2. Prepare the meat sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease if needed. Stir in the marinara sauce and remove from heat.

3. Form the spaghetti crust
Mix the beaten eggs and Parmesan cheese into the cooked spaghetti. Add salt to taste. Divide the mixture evenly between the two pie pans, pressing it along the bottom and sides to create a crust.

4. Make the ricotta layer
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, dried basil, and a pinch of salt. Spread this mixture evenly over the spaghetti crusts.

5. Assemble the pies
Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the ricotta layer in both pans. Top each with mozzarella cheese, distributing it evenly.

Bake or Freeze

To bake right away: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
To freeze: Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze until solid. Bake from frozen at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until heated through.