Gathering Spaghetti Pie

Friendship Spaghetti Pie is more than just a delicious, creamy baked spaghetti dish; it’s a smart solution for meal planning, offering two complete meals from a single preparation. Whether you choose to savor one pie now and share the other with a friend, or freeze it for a future busy night, this recipe is designed to bring comfort and convenience to your kitchen.

The Ultimate Make-Ahead Meal: Keep One and Share One

In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to simplify dinner preparations is a game-changer. That’s where the concept of ‘make one, save one’ truly shines. When you dedicate time to cooking a meal, why not maximize your effort by preparing a little extra? This intelligent approach not only conserves precious time during hectic weeknights but also reduces the pile of dirty dishes. Imagine the relief when you need a quick, hearty meal, and a delicious, homemade spaghetti pie is ready to go in your freezer or fridge! Our Friendship Spaghetti Pie recipe yields two generously sized 9-inch pies, each perfectly portioned to serve a family of four. Depending on appetites and the age of your diners (little ones typically eat less than adults), you might even find each pie can comfortably stretch to feed up to six people. This versatility makes it an ideal candidate for family dinners, potlucks, or simply ensuring you always have a comforting meal on hand. And the best part? It freezes beautifully, retaining its rich flavors and creamy texture. So, whether you decide to keep both for your family or extend a thoughtful gesture by gifting one to a friend in need of a home-cooked meal, this recipe is a win-win.

Your Essential Guide: Frequently Asked Questions About Spaghetti Pie

We’ve gathered the most common questions about Friendship Spaghetti Pie to ensure your cooking experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From freezing techniques to serving suggestions, find all the answers you need right here.

Gather Your Ingredients for Friendship Spaghetti Pie

Crafting the perfect Friendship Spaghetti Pie begins with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich, comforting flavors and delightful texture that make this dish so beloved. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Spaghetti Noodles: The foundation of our pie. Any good quality dried spaghetti will do.
• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best to avoid excessive grease. For an interesting twist, you could blend ground pork and beef or even substitute with Italian sausage for an extra layer of flavor.
• Chopped Onion: Aromatic onions provide a savory base for the meat sauce. Finely chopping ensures they meld seamlessly into the sauce.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Use your favorite jarred marinara or spaghetti sauce for convenience, or opt for a homemade version if you have extra time to impart a personal touch.
• Butter: Unsalted butter (or margarine) is used to coat the cooked spaghetti, adding richness and preventing stickiness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a sharp, salty depth to the pasta base. Pre-grated works too, but fresh offers superior flavor.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a crucial binder, holding the spaghetti noodles together to form the “pie crust” base, ensuring it slices beautifully.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta forms the luscious middle layer. Small curd cottage cheese can be a suitable substitute if ricotta is unavailable, offering a slightly different but equally delicious texture.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers an aromatic punch to the ricotta layer. Jarred, pre-minced garlic is a convenient alternative.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary infuses the ricotta mixture with classic Mediterranean flavors.
• Shredded Mozzarella: This is the crowning glory! While pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient, grating fresh mozzarella from a block often results in a creamier, more even melt for that perfect golden-brown top.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Friendship Spaghetti Pie

Making this delightful Friendship Spaghetti Pie is a straightforward process, broken down into manageable steps. Follow along to create two delectable pies perfect for sharing or savoring later.

Begin by cooking your spaghetti according to the package directions. For optimal flavor and perfectly seasoned pasta, make sure to generously salt your boiling water with about a tablespoon of sea salt or kosher salt. Adding a drizzle of olive oil can also help prevent the noodles from sticking together. While your spaghetti noodles are simmering, you can start preparing the savory meat sauce. In a large skillet, brown your ground beef with the chopped onions over medium heat. Stir frequently, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Once the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are softened and translucent, remove the skillet from the heat and carefully drain any excess grease. Return the meat mixture to the pan, then stir in your chosen spaghetti sauce. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors, then set this pan aside until you’re ready to assemble your pies.

Once your spaghetti has finished cooking, drain it well. It’s crucial to ensure no excess water remains. Pour the hot spaghetti noodles back into the pot you cooked them in. Immediately add the butter or margarine, stirring until it completely melts and evenly coats all the spaghetti strands. This step adds a wonderful richness and helps prevent the noodles from clumping. Next, quickly stir in the beaten eggs and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir briskly to incorporate the eggs and cheese thoroughly into the hot pasta. The residual heat from the spaghetti will lightly cook the eggs, helping them act as a binder to form the “crust” of your pie.

Now, prepare for assembly. Grab two 9-inch pie pans; there’s no need to grease them as the butter in the spaghetti mixture will prevent sticking. Evenly divide the spaghetti noodle mixture between the two pans, pressing it gently to form a compact base. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir this mixture until it’s well blended and fragrant. Evenly distribute spoonfuls of this creamy cheese mixture over the spaghetti base in each pie pan. Then, using the back of your spoon or a butter knife, carefully spread the ricotta layer out to cover the noodles completely and smoothly. This creates a delightful, tangy middle layer that contrasts beautifully with the rich meat sauce.

The final layers are all about flavor and visual appeal. Generously spoon the prepared meat sauce over the ricotta cheese layer in each pie, ensuring it’s evenly divided between the two pans. Spread the sauce out to the edges. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce, again dividing it equally between the two pies (approximately one cup per pie). For an optional touch of color and fresh herbaceousness, you can sprinkle a little dried parsley over the top. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a subtle aromatic note. If you plan to freeze one or both pies, now is the time to prepare them for storage. Cover each pie tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Using disposable pie tins with lids is particularly convenient for freezing, providing an extra layer of protection against freezer burn. If you’re giving one to a friend, remember to write clear baking instructions directly on the foil or lid.

When you’re ready to bake your spaghetti pie for dinner, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie tin on a cookie sheet; this makes it much easier to transfer in and out of the oven and catches any potential drips. Bake the pie, uncovered, for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden. If you’re baking a pie directly from the freezer, the process is similar but requires a longer baking time. Remove all plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and any lids. Place the frozen pie tin on a cookie sheet and bake uncovered for approximately 45 minutes. The pie should be thoroughly heated through, bubbling vigorously, and the cheese on top should be beautifully melted. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level for cooked dishes.

Craving More Delicious Pasta Recipes?

If you loved the comforting flavors of Friendship Spaghetti Pie, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of our beloved pasta creations designed to satisfy every craving and make mealtime exciting. From hearty baked dishes to quick skillet meals, we have a spaghetti recipe for every occasion.

• Million Dollar Spaghetti
• One-Pot Taco Spaghetti
• Creamy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
• Homemade Beefy Spaghetti Sauce
• Spaghetti “Cupcakes”
• Cowboy Spaghetti
• School Cafeteria Spaghetti
• Sour Cream Noodle Bake
• Crock Pot Lasagna
• Easy Baked Ziti
• Spasagna {Baked Spaghetti}
• Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Originally published: October 2015
Updated photos and republished: April 2024

Friendship Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Friendship Spaghetti Pie is a creamy baked spaghetti that is not only yummy but it makes two meals. Make one and share one (or freeze for later!)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 per pie (makes 2 pies)

Author: Brandie Skibinski

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Ingredients

• 16 ounce box spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 32 ounce jar spaghetti sauce
• 4 Tablespoons butter or margarine
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• Dried parsley for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook 16 ounces of spaghetti according to package directions. Season the boiling water with about a tablespoon of sea salt or kosher salt before adding the spaghetti.
2. While spaghetti is cooking, in a large skillet, cook 1 pound ground beef and ½ cup chopped onion.
3. After meat is browned and crumbled, turn off heat and drain excess grease.
4. Put meat back into pan and then stir in 32 ounce jar spaghetti sauce. Leave it in the pan until ready to use.
5. Once spaghetti has been cooked and drained, turn off heat and pour spaghetti back into the pot.
6. Stir in 4 Tablespoons butter or margarine until it melts and coats the spaghetti well.
7. Then quickly stir in 4 large beaten eggs and 1 cup grated parmesan cheese.
8. Set out two 9-inch pie pans and evenly divide the spaghetti noodle mixture into each pan, pressing down gently to form a crust.
9. In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese with 1 teaspoon minced garlic and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir well.
10. Evenly distribute the cheese mixture over each pan of spaghetti noodles by dropping small spoonfuls.
11. Then, using the back of a spoon or a butter knife, spread the ricotta out evenly over the noodles.
12. Top each pie with the meat sauce, evenly dividing it between both pans.
13. Finally, top each pie with 2 cups shredded mozzarella, dividing it evenly (one cup per pan). Then top with dried parsley, if desired.

To freeze:

1. If freezing the pies, cover each well with plastic wrap, then wrap with a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. If using disposable pie tins with lids, ensure the lid is on for extra protection from freezer burn. If giving a pie to a friend, make sure to write clear baking instructions on the pan.

To bake (if baking immediately after preparing):

1. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie tin on a cookie sheet. Bake for about 25 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

To bake from frozen:

1. If cooking from frozen, remove all plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and any lids. Place the pie tin on a cookie sheet and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and thoroughly heated through.

Notes

• Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for answers to common questions.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 545kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 28g | Sodium: 906mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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