I have been married to a wonderful Christian man since 1976. The Lord has blessed us with two daughters and two sons. I consider each day the Lord gives me on the earth yet another chance to serve Him.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Baked Spaghetti

What a great meal for a potluck dinner or just for your family.   Takes a little time to make but well worth the effort.



BAKED SPAGHETTI
(serves 8)

Ingredients:
*2 tablespoons olive oil
*1 onion, chopped
*3 garlic cloves, minced
*1 red pepper, diced
*1 green pepper, diced
*1 pound lean ground beef
*1/2 pound sweet italian sausage
*1 teaspoon dried coriander
*4 cups tomato sauce
*1 teaspoon salt
*1 teaspoon black pepper
*1 teaspoon white sugar
*1 tablespoon italian seasoning
*2 bay leafs
*1 pound spaghetti, cooked
*1/2 stick of butter
*1/4 cup flour
*2 cups milk
*1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
*1/4 teaspoon salt
*1/4 teaspoon black pepper
*1 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
*2 cups mozzarella cheese

Directions:
~Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet.
~Add garlic & onion, saute for until onions are soft and translucent.
~Add peppers & saute until soft.
~Add ground beef & sausage, cook until browned.
~Add tomato sauce, cilantro, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, sugar, bay leaf & italian seasoning.
~Simmer for 1-2 hours.
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
~In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
~Add the flour & whisk until smooth.
~Continue cooking & whisking for about 2 minutes.
~Gradually add the milk & continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth & creamy.
~Simmer until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, making sure you stir occasionally so it won't scorch (about 10 minutes).
~Remove from heat and stir in nutmeg.
~Stir in parmesan cheese.
~Place spaghetti noodles in a casserole dish or 9x13 inch baking pan.
~Mix in the tomato sauce & quarter of the béchamel sauce (white sauce).
~Mix well.
~Pour the rest of the béchamel sauce over noodle mixture.
~Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over béchamel sauce.
~Bake for 30 minutes.

Variations:
`Omit green & red peppers.
`Add 1/4 pound chorizo, chopped (added when you add beef)

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