Spaghetti Pie (CA) Recipe

1 and 1/2 pounds sausage
1 large onion
1 32-ounce jar spaghetti sauce
1 cup water
1 pound spaghetti, cooked and rinsed
1/2 stick butter
3 eggs, beaten
16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
8 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
16 ounces cottage cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease one deep 11-by-13-inch casserole dish. Brown sausage and onion in a large saucepan. Drain. Add spaghetti sauce and water. Simmer until thick. Toss cooked spaghetti with butter, eggs, Parmesan and half of the mozzarella until well mixed. Spoon spaghetti and cheese mixture into the greased casserole dish and press down. Cover evenly with a layer of cottage cheese. Spoon sauce on top. When smooth, poke holes with a wooden spoon randomly over the entire surface. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Return to oven and bake 10 to 15 minutes longer, or until golden and bubbly. Cool 10 minutes before serving. Serves 12 to 16.

Tips From Our Test Kitchen: For a spicier dish, add a clove of fresh, minced garlic and a tablespoon each of oregano and basil to the sauce.