Description
Friendship Spaghetti Pie is a comforting, layered baked pasta dish combining tender spaghetti mixed with eggs and parmesan, creamy ricotta infused with garlic and basil, savory ground beef marinara, and melted mozzarella for a hearty meal perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Ingredients
Pasta Layer
- 1 lb dry spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 (32 oz) jar marinara sauce
Ricotta Layer
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
Other
- 2 9-inch pie pans (aluminium)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and stir in the butter until melted and coated. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: While the spaghetti cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through, and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat if needed, then stir in the marinara sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix Spaghetti with Eggs and Parmesan: Once the spaghetti has drained, quickly stir in the beaten eggs and grated parmesan cheese. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring the eggs are well incorporated to help bind the pasta during baking.
- Assemble Pasta Layer: Evenly divide the spaghetti mixture between two 9-inch pie pans, spreading it out to create a smooth base layer.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, dried basil, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until fully combined.
- Add Ricotta Layer: Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the spaghetti layers in each pie pan. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to smooth it out evenly over the pasta.
- Top with Meat Sauce and Mozzarella: Spoon half of the prepared meat sauce over the ricotta layer in each pie pan. Then, evenly sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top of each pie.
- Bake the Pies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie pans on a baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.
- Optional Freezing: If you're preparing the pies ahead for freezing, cover each pie pan tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil, and freeze until solid. When ready to bake from frozen, increase the baking time to about 45 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic for a stronger flavor if preferred.
- Allow the pies to rest 5 minutes after baking before slicing to help firm up the layers.
- Make ahead and freeze to enjoy this meal anytime with added convenience.
- Ensure spaghetti is drained well to avoid soggy layers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
