Million Dollar Spaghetti

Ingredients

• ---For the Cheese Mixture---
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 227g cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 227g ricotta cheese
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ---For the Meat Sauce---
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage, mild or hot
• 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 (650ml) marinara sauce
• ---For the Pasta & Topping---
• 1 lb cooked spaghetti pasta, al dente
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (for topping)
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the cheese mixture by combining the ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a bowl. Mix until combined and set aside.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until fully browned, breaking apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed.
4. Create space in the skillet and add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers, sauté until softened then season with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.
6. Combine the al dente pasta with the meat sauce using tongs until fully coated.
7. Assemble by layering half of the pasta mixture in the bottom of the baking dish, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese mixture.
8. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese bubbly and edges golden. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!