MAKE-AHEAD SPICY OLIVE PASTA

Make-Ahead Spicy Olive Pasta image

This is a fancy version of my grandchildren's favorite baked spaghetti. It feels like such a special dinner, and it's so cozy for winter. -Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h25m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

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Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
1 cup pitted ripe olives
3 tablespoons capers, drained
3 anchovy fillets, minced
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
2 large eggs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
5 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups 4% cottage cheese
4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Optional: Minced fresh basil, sliced olives and capers

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook spaghetti according to package directions for al dente. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until beef is no longer pink and onion is tender, 6-8 minutes, breaking up beef into crumbles; drain. Stir in pasta sauce, olives, capers, anchovies, pepper flakes and seasoned salt; set aside., In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, Parmesan cheese and butter. Drain spaghetti; add to egg mixture and toss to coat., Place half of the spaghetti mixture in a greased 13x9-in. or 3-qt. baking dish. Top with half of the cottage cheese, meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Place baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet., Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake until heated through, 20-25 minutes longer. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with basil, olives and capers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 563 calories, Fat 27g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 116mg cholesterol, Sodium 1104mg sodium, Carbohydrate 48g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 33g protein.