Tomato-Basil Spaghetti Squares

A lot of the recipes we share here are from our Mom and from her cookbook. There are so many meals she made for us as we were growing up, that we now love to make ourselves and share with you.

But today's recipe is coming straight from the source. Our mom made this meal at the request of our younger sister, and took pictures to share with you! The recipe is originally from here.

Ingredients

1/2 lb. uncooked spaghetti
1 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 cup each of chopped green peppers and onions
1-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
1 tub (10 oz.) Philadelphia Tomato & Basil Cooking Creme, divided
2 Tbsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese 

To Make

Heat oven to 350 F.

Cook spaghetti in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt. Meanwhile, brown meat with peppers and onions in large nonstick skillet; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce.

Drain spaghetti; return to pan. Add half the cooking creme and Parmesan; toss to coat. Place in 8-inch square baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; press onto bottom of dish with back of spatula. Cover with layers of remaining cooking creme and meat sauce.

Bake 25 min. or until heated through. Top with mozzarella; bake 5 to 10 min. or until melted.

Our mom said everyone at the table gave this meal two thumbs up, so I look forward to making this myself!


Helpful Hint
To Make this meal even easier my mom suggests buying a big package of lean ground beef and frying it up as soon as you bring it home. Then, divide it up in some "Dutch tupperware" containers, aka old sour cream/cottage cheese containers, and slip into the freezer. Then when you need ground beef for a recipe, pull out one container and let it thaw out. It certainly saves time and a couple steps when your cooking! Thanks Mom!




Happy Cooking,

PS: Here's where we link up.