Friendship Spaghetti Pie is more than just a meal; it's a heartwarming dish that brings friends and family together around the dinner table. This baked spaghetti recipe embodies the essence of Italian-American cuisine, combining familiar flavors of spaghetti with a savory, cheesy filling that creates a pie-like presentation.
Ingredients
Scale:
12 ounces spaghetti
2 large eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with olive oil, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
In a greased 9-inch pie dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture, then half of the beef mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers and finish with the remaining cheese on top.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Allow the pie to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.