A delightful twist on the classic spaghetti pie, this recipe combines rich flavors and a creamy texture for a family-friendly meal.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and bell peppers over medium heat until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then stir in the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and butter until well mixed.
Ensure the spaghetti is slightly cooled before adding the eggs to prevent scrambling.
Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased baking dish.
Press the mixture gently to create an even layer.
Spread the cottage cheese evenly over the spaghetti layer.
Use the back of a spoon to spread it smoothly.
Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the cottage cheese layer.
Spread the sauce evenly to cover the entire surface.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
For a golden crust, use a bit more cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Check halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooling helps the layers set for easier serving.