4 oz spaghetti (110 g), or angel hair, broken in half 2 times
2 cloves garlic, minched
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (110 g)
1 large egg, beaten
2 tablespoons bread crumbs
Filling
2 tablespoons oil, vegetable or canola
1 small onion, diced
8 oz ground beef (225 g), 90% lean
15 oz tomato sauce (450 g), 1 can
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced
1 cup ricotta cheese (250 g)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (150 g)
Nutrition Info
Calories 466
Fat 26g
Carbs 31g
Fiber 2g
Sugar 7g
Protein 25g
How to Make It
1. Step
Preheat oven to 350˚F (180˚C).
2. Step
Wrap pasta in a clean dish towel and fold twice, breaking pasta into smaller 1-3 inch (2½ - 7½ cm) pieces.
3. Step
Cook until al dente (about 3 minutes) and drain well.
4. Step
In medium-sized bowl, mix warm cooked pasta with garlic, butter, grated parmesan, egg, and bread crumbs. Still until well incorporated and the butter and cheese have completely melted.
5. Step
Press pasta mixture into a deep 10-inch (25-cm) pie plate or casserole dish. Top with bread crumbs.
6. Step
Bake 15-20 minutes, until crust is set and edges have started to brown
7. Step
Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add in ground beef and cook until lightly browned. Using a spoon, drain off any excess fat that accumulates in the pan.
8. Step
Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and sugar. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in basil. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Step
In a small bowl, mix together ricotta, egg, and oregano.
10. Step
Spread ricotta mixture over the cooked pasta crust. Spread the meat sauce over the top of the ricotta mixture then cover with mozzarella. Bake at 350˚F (180˚C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
11. Step
Let cool for 15-20 minutes before serving.
12. Step
Fancy-Pants Parmesan Crisps (optional for garnish): Pour a tablespoon of parmesan cheese onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400˚F (200˚C) until cheese has melted and become golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Let cool before removing from parchment paper.
