WP. Simple.
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
Fine salt
4 ounces dried spaghetti
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons olive oil
8 ounces Italian sausage, removed from casing, or lean ground beef (90 percent lean or higher)
2 cups (6 ounces) sliced fresh button mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped yellow or white onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
One (8-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup cottage cheese, drained
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray. Bring a medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain. Return the spaghetti to the pot and stir in the butter until melted. Stir in the egg and parmesan cheese until combined.
2. Meanwhile, in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, heat the oil until it shimmers. Add the sausage or beef, mushrooms, onion, bell pepper and garlic and cook, stirring, until the meat is browned and the onion and mushrooms are tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce and oregano and heat through, about 2 minutes.
3. Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared pie plate and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the plate, forming a crust. Spread the cottage cheese over the pasta mixture and top with the meat mixture, followed by the mozzarella.
4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. For neater slices, allow the pie to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into six wedges. Sprinkle with small fresh basil leaves, if desired.