Thank you so much for being here today. I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this one—it’s warm, cozy, and full of heart. Just like its name suggests, Friendship Spaghetti Pie isn’t just a recipe… it’s an invitation to gather, to comfort, and to celebrate the joy of sharing a meal with people you love. ❤️✨
This dish has all the cozy, cheesy goodness of your favorite pasta bake—but with a fun twist: it’s baked in a pie pan, which makes it perfect for gifting, freezing, or passing along to a friend in need of a little pick-me-up.
And trust me when I say: it’s always a hit. Whether you’re dropping one off to a neighbor, bringing it to a potluck, or serving it to your own crew around the table, this spaghetti pie checks every box. It’s hearty, simple, and impossible not to love.
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What Is Friendship Spaghetti Pie?
This recipe is a delicious cross between spaghetti, lasagna, and baked ziti, but portioned into two adorable pies. You get tender spaghetti noodles coated in parmesan and egg (which helps it “set” into a sliceable crust), layered with herbed ricotta, hearty meat sauce, and topped with melty mozzarella.
Best part? It makes TWO pies—one for now, and one to freeze or share. 💕
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🧀 So cheesy and comforting—melty mozzarella + creamy ricotta = heaven
- 🥫 Easy ingredients—most you probably already have
- 🍽️ Two meals in one—great for meal prep or sharing
- ❤️ Perfect for gifting—just wrap it up and drop it off
- ❄️ Freezer-friendly for busy nights or new baby drop-offs
What Does It Taste Like?
Oh, it’s everything you love about a good pasta bake. It’s saucy, cheesy, and rich—yet balanced. The crust of spaghetti is buttery and savory with a little salty bite from the parmesan. The ricotta layer is creamy and seasoned with garlic and basil. And the meat sauce? Classic, hearty, and so satisfying. It slices beautifully, smells incredible, and tastes even better the next 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 grated mozzarella cheese
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 aluminum 9-inch pie pans
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet for browning beef
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork (for beating eggs)
- Two 9-inch aluminum pie pans
- Foil or plastic wrap (if freezing)
Ingredient Swaps & Tips
- Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if that’s what you have—it works!
- Want to go meatless? Sauté mushrooms and spinach instead of ground beef.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
- Don’t skip the butter in the spaghetti—it keeps things rich and helps the noodles hold together.
How to Make Friendship Spaghetti Pie
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, return to the pot, stir in the butter, and set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high. Brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat.
3. Mix the Pasta Layer
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and parmesan cheese. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss until evenly coated. Season with a little salt if needed.
4. Prepare Ricotta Layer
In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta, minced garlic, dried basil, and a pinch of salt.
5. Assemble the Pies
Divide the spaghetti mixture evenly between the two greased 9-inch pie pans. Use the back of a spoon to press it down and up the sides—this is your “crust.”
Top each pie with:
- Half of the ricotta mixture, spread gently
- Half of the meat sauce
- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on each pie
6. To Bake Now
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
7. To Freeze for Later
Let the assembled pie cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze. To bake from frozen, remove plastic, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
What to Serve With Spaghetti Pie
- A big green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or soft rolls
- Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
- A glass of red wine (if it’s that kind of dinner!)
Tips for Success
- Press down the spaghetti well into the pie pans so it holds shape when sliced.
- Want a crispier top? Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing—it sets up better!
- Make clean slices with a serrated knife or a pie server.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store baked pie leftovers covered for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked pies for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Microwave slices individually or warm in a 300°F oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
Can I make this with gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Use your favorite GF spaghetti—just don’t overcook it before baking.
Can I use a casserole dish instead?
Sure! You can make this as one big 9×13 bake—just adjust the cook time as needed.
How do I gift one of the pies?
Bake or freeze it right in the aluminum pie pan. Add a note with instructions, wrap in foil, and deliver with love! ❤️
In Conclusion
Friendship Spaghetti Pie is more than just a meal—it’s a gesture. It’s the kind of dish you make when you want to show someone you care. It’s simple, hearty, and filled with love. Whether you’re freezing one for later, delivering it to a friend, or sitting down with your family to dig in together, this recipe is all about connection.
🍽️ Looking for more shareable comfort food? Try these:
- Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta
- Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Made This Recipe? Let’s See It!
Tag me on Pinterest with your delicious creations or leave a comment below—did you bake one, freeze one, or share both? I love hearing how you make this recipe part of your story. ❤️
Nutritional Info (Approximate Per Serving – 1/8 of a pie)
Calories: ~420
Fat: 21g
Carbs: 33g
Protein: 24g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: ~680mg
