Million Dollar Spaghetti

This creamy spaghetti dish is definitely not a low calorie dish but it is worth the calories. Feel free to use any type of pasta and adjust the vegetables and spices to you family's taste.

INGREDIENTS

7 oz. (200 grams) pkg. spaghetti noodles
1 1/2 lbs. (750 grams) ground beef
salt and pepper
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup onion (diced)
1/2 cup minced green or red pepper
1 Tbsp basil
1 Tbsp oregano
¼ teas. cayenne pepper
640 ml can or jar. can tomato sauce
250 grams or 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
150 grams or 4 oz. ricotta cheese
1 tsp. butter
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
250 grams grated mozzarella cheese (3 cups)


DIRECTIONS

1. Cook spaghetti noodles and drain. Saute beef until brown, then add onions, green peppers and garlic, spices, salt, pepper and tomato sauce. Simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and combine with 1 teaspoon of butter.

2.In a medium bowl combine cheeses ( cream cheese and ricotta). In another bowl combine the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.

3. Using a 2 quart casserole dish, spread half of spaghetti noodles, cover with cheese mixture and then cover with meat sauce, Continue with the remaining noodles and meat mixture and top with the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake at 325-350 for about 30 minutes.

Link to Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Saute beef  until brown

add onions, green peppers

add chopped garlic

I used Ragu sauce but use whatever sauce you prefer

Combine the tomato sauce and simmer

Add spices and simmer for 15 minutes

Cook spaghetti noodles and drain

Combine with 1 tsp of butter

In another bowl combine Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses

In a medium bowl mix together cream cheese and ricotta cheese

Layer 1/2 the noodles in a 2 quart casserole dish

Spread all of the cream and ricotta cheese mixture on top of the noodles

Spread 1/2 the meat mixture on top of the cheese

Add the remaining noodles

Spread the remaining meat mixture

Top with the mozzarella Parmesan mixture and place in oven and bake

If you like the cheese extra crispy place under the boiler for a few extra minutes