Using spices in your cooking gives dishes authentic flavors,

for Mexican dishes use cilantro, and peppers

for Italian dishes use oregano and olive oil

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This is one of our family favorites and absolutely yummy. Not exactly frugal or low cal, but a definite celebration meal. We actually make a huge pan of this, but I will narrow it down here for  reasonable amount. This would probably serve 4-6.

sauce ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion diced
• 1/2 bell pepper diced
• 1 clove garlic, diced small
• 1 t.. Italian spice or fresh
• large can tomato sauce

filling

• 8 oz mozzarella cheese shredded
• 2 C cottage cheese

crust

• small box of spaghetti, cooked and drained
• 2 T. butter
• 2 eggs beaten
• 2 oz parmesan cheese, shredded or grated

topping

• 2 oz parmesan cheese shredded or grated
• sliced peppers, mushrooms, pepperoni or anything you like

Start by making your sauce, brown meat and vegetables in a skillet and when well cooked add tomato sauce and let simmer. While that is simmering, make your crust, cook your pasta and drain and then add the butter and beaten eggs and 2 oz of parmesan cheese. Mix well and spread in a buttered baking dish. Then spoon in half of your filling ingredients, spreading well. Then add half of your sauce, spreading well. Repeat filling, repeat sauce. Then top with 2 oz of parmesan cheese and whatever toppings you might like. Bake at 350 until bubbly.

Great with garlic bread and salad.

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This is like a budget version of Spaghetti Pie, I will post that recipe soon. But this is a good one too and lots less expensive. It is very simple and you can just use the amounts for your family size.

• Cooked pasta, cooked and drained
• chunky spaghetti sauce
• grated Italian blend cheese 8 oz or so

Mix your pasta and sauce in a bowl then add to a buttered casserole dish, then place cheese on top and bake until cheese is bubbly. That is all. Super simple but a little better than plain spaghetti.

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