This unique Mexicali Pasta Pie offers a creative twist on traditional comfort food by using cooked spaghetti to form a sturdy, cheesy crust. The filling is a rich blend of seasoned ground pork, tangy cottage cheese, and spicy green chilies, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. The combination of textures&# 226;ÂÂfrom the firm pasta base to the creamy, saucy centerâÂÂmakes this dish both fun and delicious. ItâÂÂs perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something substantial yet easy to prepare in the microwave. Serve warm with a side salad for a complete, family-friendly feast that brings bold Mexican-inspired flavors to your table.
Mexicali Pasta Pie
Description
This unique Mexicali Pasta Pie offers a creative twist on traditional comfort food by using cooked spaghetti to form a sturdy, cheesy crust. The filling is a rich blend of seasoned ground pork, tangy cottage cheese, and spicy green chilies, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. The combination of textures&# 226;ÂÂfrom the firm pasta base to the creamy, saucy centerâÂÂmakes this dish both fun and delicious. ItâÂÂs perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something substantial yet easy to prepare in the microwave. Serve warm with a side salad for a complete, family-friendly feast that brings bold Mexican-inspired flavors to your table.Ingredients
Directions
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Rinse, seed, and chop the green chili peppers.
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In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp ground coriander, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.
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Chop 1 medium onion.
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Drain and cut up one 7.5-ounce can of tomatoes.
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Cook 6 ounces of uncooked spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
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Crumble the ground pork into a large microwave-safe casserole dish.
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Add the chopped onion to the pork.
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Microwave, covered, on high for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink, stirring once halfway through to break up clumps.
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Drain off any excess fat from the cooked pork mixture.
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Stir in the undrained chopped tomatoes, 6 oz tomato paste, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, and the spice mixture.
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Microwave, covered, on high for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the mixture is thickened and bubbly, stirring once halfway through.
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Remove from microwave and set aside to cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, stir together 2 beaten eggs, the hot cooked spaghetti, and 2 tbsp melted butter or margarine.
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Grease a 10-inch pie plate.
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Press the spaghetti mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate to form a crust.
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Cover the crust with clear plastic wrap.
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Microwave the spaghetti crust on 50% power for 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 minutes, or until just set, giving the dish a half-turn after 3 minutes.
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Remove plastic wrap and spoon 1 cup drained cream-style cottage cheese evenly over the bottom of the crust.
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Spread the meat and tomato mixture evenly atop the cottage cheese layer.
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Microwave, uncovered, for 3 to 3 1/2 minutes, or until hot throughout, giving the dish a half-turn after 1 1/2 minutes.
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Sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
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Let the pie stand for 5 minutes to allow the filling to set.
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Cut into wedges and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 525.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 19.2g30%
- Saturated Fat 6.3g32%
- Cholesterol 90.8mg31%
- Sodium 90.4mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 64.0g22%
- Dietary Fiber 25.0g100%
- Sugars 2.7g
- Protein 44.6g90%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
