Dena's Baked Pasta

This is so tasty and satisfying. It is just as good the next day too...it doesn't dry out like some pasta dishes. I just happened to have the pasta sauce and some fusilli and came up with this. The Italian Sausage in the sauce really gives it a nice flavor without being overpowering. We liked it better than lasagne. Served with a salad and garlic bread. Figure I'd better post it before I forgot what I did. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1  lb  fusilli
• 1  lb lean ground beef
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 1  egg
• 1 (16 ounce)  cottage cheese
• 2  tablespoons parsley (I use dried)
• 1  teaspoon garlic powder
• 2  cups mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1⁄3 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (26 ounce)  pasta sauce (Classico with Italian Sausage,peppers,onions)
•  salt
•  pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Prepare Fusilli per directions on package, drain.
3. In a very large frying pan or dutch oven, cook hamburger and onion until meat is no longer pink.
4. Drain off excess grease.
5. In a large bowl, mix egg, cottage cheese, parsley, garlic powder, 1 1/2 Celsius of mozzarella, parmesan, and tomato sauce.
6. Add to hamburger mixture.
7. Add 3/4 jar of the pasta sauce.
8. Salt & pepper to taste.
9. Mix well then transfer to a 9 X 13 baking dish.
10. Top with remaining sauce and mozarella.
11. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minute.