Spaghetti Casserole

Spaghetti Casserole



INGREDIENTS:


1/4 cup bacon drippings
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, minced
1 green pepper, chopped
1 rib celery, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 sprig thyme
1 teaspoon salt
Dash cayenne pepper
2 cans tomato sauce
2 cups cooked spaghetti
1 large can mushrooms
3/4 cup sharp cheese, grated


TO PREPARE:


Melt 1/2 the above amount of bacon drippings in a skillet and brown ground beef in it. Remove to a bowl. Add remaining bacon drippings and saute onion, green pepper, celery and garlic until onion is slightly browned. Add bay leaf, thyme, seasonings, tomato sauce, and browned meat, and simmer slowly for 1 to 1-1/2 hours. A little water may be added if sauce becomes too thick. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in boiling, salted water, until tender. Drain. When meant and sauce are done, combine with spaghetti and mushrooms in a casserole, and top with the grated cheese. Cover and bake in oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove cover for the last 10 minutes of baking to brown slightly.