Crispy-Crust Cheesy Spaghetti Pie (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 6 oz dry spaghetti
02 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
03 - 2 large eggs, beaten
04 - 3 tbsp butter, divided
05 - 1 lb lean ground beef
06 - 1/2 cup chopped onion
07 - 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
08 - 1 garlic clove, minced
09 - 14 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
10 - 6 oz can tomato paste
11 - 1 tsp sugar
12 - 1 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1 cup cottage cheese
14 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch pie plate with 1 tbsp of butter.
02 - Cook spaghetti according to package directions until just tender. Drain and return to the pot.
03 - Stir in Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, and 2 tbsp butter. Toss until the pasta is coated. Press the mixture evenly into the pie plate to form a crust.
04 - In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef with the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until the beef is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain excess fat.
05 - Add diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, sugar, and oregano. Stir and simmer for 5–10 minutes to blend flavors.
06 - Spread the cottage cheese over the spaghetti crust, followed by the meat mixture.
07 - Bake for 20 minutes, then sprinkle mozzarella over the top and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Notes:

01 - Letting the spaghetti pie rest before slicing ensures cleaner portions.