There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a dish that’s designed to be shared—and that’s exactly what Friendship Spaghetti Pie is all about. Whether you’re cooking for your own family or gifting one to a friend in need, this cheesy, meaty, pasta-packed casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With two pies from one recipe, you can serve one tonight and freeze the other for a rainy day—or pass it along with a note of love.
This spaghetti pie is deliciously layered with ricotta, hearty marinara meat sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella for a lasagna-meets-baked-pasta hybrid. And best of all, it’s freezer-friendly, budget-conscious, and easy to prep ahead.
Why You’ll Love Friendship Spaghetti Pie
- Double Batch – Makes two full 9-inch pies—perfect for sharing or freezing.
- Make-Ahead Magic – Assemble now, bake later. Great for meal prepping!
- Freezer Friendly – Just wrap and freeze for a quick dinner down the line.
- Family Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Easy Customization – Switch up the cheeses, pasta, or add veggies.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
- 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 parmesan cheese, grated
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 (9-inch) aluminum pie pans
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and immediately toss with 4 tablespoons butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
While pasta cooks, brown ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer gently and remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Spaghetti Base
Stir the beaten eggs and parmesan cheese into the buttered spaghetti. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Divide the mixture evenly between two greased or nonstick 9-inch pie pans and press gently to form a crust.
Step 4: Add the Ricotta Layer
In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, minced garlic, dried basil, and a pinch of salt. Dollop evenly over each spaghetti crust and spread with a spoon.
Step 5: Top with Meat Sauce and Cheese
Spoon the beef marinara sauce evenly over the ricotta layer. Sprinkle each pie with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Baking Instructions
- If baking immediately: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- If baking from frozen: Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted.
Make-Ahead, Freezing, and Gifting Tips
- To Freeze: Wrap unbaked pies in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Label with baking instructions.
- To Gift: Print a tag with directions and deliver in an aluminum pie pan.
- To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge or bake straight from frozen, adding extra time.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Side Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Ideal for scooping up cheesy bits.
- Roasted Vegetables: Zucchini, asparagus, or green beans work well.
- Dessert Idea: Serve with Italian cookies or a scoop of gelato.
Tips for Success
- Undercook the Pasta Slightly: It will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use Quality Marinara: A rich sauce makes all the difference in flavor.
- Customize the Fillings: Add mushrooms, spinach, or swap ricotta for cottage cheese.
- Go Veggie: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or vegan crumbles.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Italian Sausage: Use instead of ground beef for added kick.
- Three-Cheese Twist: Mix ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella into one layer.
- Pesto Swirl: Add a few teaspoons of pesto on top of the ricotta before layering.
- Low-Carb Version: Try with spaghetti squash or shirataki noodles.
Final Thoughts
Friendship Spaghetti Pie isn’t just a meal—it’s a gesture of love. Whether you’re making dinner for your own family or comforting someone else, this dish hits every note: filling, flavorful, freezer-friendly, and made to be shared. The layered textures and classic flavors offer something familiar and joyful—just like a hug in casserole form.
So whip up a double batch, and share one with someone who needs a little comfort food magic.
Friendship Spaghetti Pie
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 parmesan cheese grated
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 9-inch aluminum pie pans
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and immediately toss with 4 tablespoons butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
- While pasta cooks, brown ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer gently and remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Spaghetti Base
- Stir the beaten eggs and parmesan cheese into the buttered spaghetti. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Divide the mixture evenly between two greased or nonstick 9-inch pie pans and press gently to form a crust.
Step 4: Add the Ricotta Layer
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, minced garlic, dried basil, and a pinch of salt. Dollop evenly over each spaghetti crust and spread with a spoon.
Step 5: Top with Meat Sauce and Cheese
- Spoon the beef marinara sauce evenly over the ricotta layer. Sprinkle each pie with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
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