Not Red Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients and Weight:

• Spaghetti: 500g
• Ground Beef: 250g
• Onion: 1 large (or 2 small), chopped
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced
• Bell Pepper (any color): 1, chopped
• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup
• Cream Cheese: 1 block (8oz)
• Italian Seasoning: 1 tbsp
• Salt: 1 tsp (adjust according to taste)
• Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp (or more, according to preference)
• Water or Chicken Stock: 1 cup
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tbsp for cooking

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 30-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-60 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot, boil water or chicken stock. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a separate pan, heat olive oil and add chopped onions. Sauté until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and chopped bell peppers. Stir and cook for a minute.
4. Add ground beef and cook until no longer red. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into smaller pieces.
5. Pour in cherry tomatoes and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce cook for a few minutes.
6. Once the sauce has reduced slightly, add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted and combined with the sauce.
7. Adjust seasoning if necessary and pour over the cooked spaghetti. Toss gently to combine.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: Approx. 450-500 calories per serving (depending on additional toppings)
• Fat: 22-25g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Protein: 20-25g

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and rich sauce with a slight kick of spice from the bell peppers.
• Meaty and hearty, perfect for meat lovers.
• Can be customized with additional toppings like parmesan cheese or fresh basil.

User Comments:

1. "This sauce was so creamy and delicious! Loved the combination of flavors."
2. "The bell peppers added a nice touch of spice, making this dish stand out."
3. "Great dish for a family meal. Everyone loved it!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to cook the ground beef until no longer red to ensure proper cooking and food safety.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste. Start with smaller amounts and add more if needed.
• If desired, you can add more vegetables like mushrooms or olives for additional flavor and texture.