Pizza Pasta Pie

Whenever my daughter invites her friends over for a movie night, we make them all dinner.  They really enjoyed this pizza pasta pie.

6 oz. dry spaghetti
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup, plus 2 TBS grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 lb lean ground beef
2 cups sliced mushrooms, optional
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 tsp oregano
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350.  Lightly spray a 9" pie plate with cooking spray.

Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions, drain, rinse, and shake well to remove excess water.  Place in a large bowl and toss with the egg and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese.  Press the spaghetti on the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie plate and set aside.

Spray a medium non-stick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat.  Add the beef and mushrooms, if desired, and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the beef is browned.  Add the marinara sauce and oregano, stir to combine, and cook for 3-4 minutes.  Stir the ricotta and spoon onto the spaghetti crust, spreading evenly.  Spoon the meat sauce on the ricotta layer.  Sprinkle with the mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes or until fully heated through.  Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes before cutting into six wedges to serve.

Serves 6

Source:  Eat More of What You Love - Marlene Koch

Cindy