Friendship Spaghetti Pie: A Comforting Dish Made to Share
Looking for a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to make and even easier to love? This Friendship Spaghetti Pie is a creative twist on the traditional spaghetti-and-meatballs dinner, reimagined as a rich, layered pie that’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or gifting to a friend in need of a little comfort.
Built on a savory spaghetti “crust” and layered with creamy ricotta, hearty meat sauce, and gooey mozzarella, this dish delivers on both taste and presentation. Best of all? This recipe makes two pies—one for you and one to give away!
🍝 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry spaghetti | 1 lb |
| Lean ground beef | 1 lb |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Small yellow onion, diced | ½ |
| Marinara sauce | 1 jar (32 oz) |
| Large eggs, beaten | 4 |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1 cup |
| Ricotta cheese | 1½ cups |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mozzarella cheese, grated | 2 cups |
| Kosher salt and black pepper | To taste |
| 9-inch aluminum pie pans | 2 pans |
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti Base
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the dry spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and return the pasta to the pot. Immediately stir in the butter until melted and coating all the noodles. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well to combine. Once heated through, remove from heat.
3. Form the Spaghetti Crust
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the beaten eggs and Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Divide the mixture evenly between the two pie pans, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides to form a crust.
4. Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a separate bowl, blend the ricotta cheese with the minced garlic, dried basil, and a small pinch of salt. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the spaghetti base in each pie pan, smoothing the top gently.
5. Assemble the Pies
Spoon the meat sauce over the ricotta layer in both pans, spreading evenly. Then generously sprinkle each with shredded mozzarella cheese until fully covered.
🧊 To Bake or Freeze:
If baking right away:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden brown.
If freezing for later:
Wrap each pie tightly with plastic wrap and then again with aluminum foil. Freeze flat until solid. When ready to bake from frozen, remove all wrapping and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and bubbly.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Let the pies rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing into wedges. Pair with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a glass of red wine for the ultimate comfort meal.
Whether you’re delivering a warm pie to a friend’s doorstep or enjoying it around your own dinner table, this Friendship Spaghetti Pie is more than just a meal—it’s a gesture of love.
Make one, share one—and spread the warmth.