Ingredients and Weight:
- Spaghetti (uncooked) - 1 pound (453 grams)
- Ground beef - 1 pound (453 grams)
- Onion (chopped) - 1 medium (1/2 cup)
- Green bell pepper (chopped) - 1 medium (1/2 cup)
- Red bell pepper (chopped) - 1 medium (1/2 cup)
- Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
- Italian seasoning - 1 tablespoon
- Salt and black pepper - to taste
- Marinara sauce - 24 ounces (700 milliliters)
- Cream cheese - 8 ounces (226 grams)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded) - 1 cup (120 grams)
- Parmesan cheese (grated) - 1/2 cup (60 grams)
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
30-35 minutes
Difficulty Level:
3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer the spaghetti, ground beef mixture, and cream cheese mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 550-600 per serving
- Fat: 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50-55 grams
- Protein: 30-35 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and savory with a creamy, cheesy texture
- Packed with flavor from the ground beef, vegetables, and Italian seasoning
- Perfect for special occasions or family gatherings
User Comments:
- "This spaghetti was absolutely divine! The combination of flavors and textures was spot on." - Jane Doe
- "I've made this dish several times now and it always impresses my guests. It's become a go-to recipe for potlucks and dinner parties." - John Smith
- "The million dollar part is definitely the cream cheese mixture. It takes this dish to another level!" - Mary Green
- "I love that this dish is so versatile. You can add different vegetables or meats to customize it to your liking." - Sarah Jones
- "This is the best spaghetti I've ever had! It's truly a million dollar dish." - Robert Williams
Special Precautions and Tips:
- To make the dish ahead of time, assemble it up to step 8 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake according to the instructions.
- If you don't have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute with ricotta cheese.
- To add extra richness, you can add a layer of shredded Provolone or Fontina cheese before topping with the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
