Friendship Spaghetti Pie

Friendship Spaghetti Pie

This Friendship Spaghetti Pie turns a classic spaghetti-and-meat-sauce dinner into a comforting, layered baked dish. With a buttery spaghetti base, a creamy ricotta layer, and a rich meat sauce topped with melted mozzarella, each slice is hearty and satisfying. The recipe makes two pies—perfect for sharing or saving one for another day.

Ingredients

• 1 lb dry spaghetti
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ small yellow onion, diced
• 1 (32 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 cups shredded 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 according to package directions. Drain well, then toss immediately with butter until melted and evenly coated. Set aside.

2. Make the meat sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess grease if needed, then stir in the marinara sauce. Remove from heat.

3. Create the spaghetti crust
Stir the beaten eggs and Parmesan cheese into the cooked spaghetti, adding a pinch of salt if needed. Divide the mixture evenly between the two pie pans, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides to form a crust.

4. Prepare the ricotta layer
In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with minced garlic, dried basil, and a small pinch of salt. Spread this mixture evenly over each spaghetti crust.

5. Assemble the pies
Spoon the meat sauce over the ricotta layer in both pans. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top of each pie.

Bake or Freeze

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

Serve
Let the pies cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy a cozy, shareable meal.