MAX'S HEARTY SPAGHETTI DINNER with CAESAR SALAD - [Updated as of 10-6-10]

Max makes this when he's out fishing for his crew
and at home at least every two weeks...it's his infamous
staple meal in our home...

Servings (8)
Prep: 10 mins.|
Cook/Simmer: 2 hours

Posted by Max via Sandra

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. spaghetti noodles
Garlic bread
--(Max purchases his from Fred Meyer Bakery)


***Sauce:
1 lb. beef/moose/venison burger
1/2 lb. moose breakfast sausage (Jerry’s Meats processes his)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup celery, finely chopped
½ red bell pepper finely chopped
1/3 red onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon sweet basil
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ cup Heinz ketchup
2 (15 oz. cans) tomato sauce
1 (15 oz. can) italian stewed tomatoes, mashed in a small bowl (do not drain)
2 teaspoons italian seasoning
2 bay leafs
1 handful of parsley, roughly chopped

***Garnish:
Freshly grated parmesan cheese

*** Caesar Salad:
- Romaine lettuce, torn
- Marie’s caesar salad dressing (his fav.)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Bacon bits
- Seasoned croutons
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

METHOD

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat; add the burger and sausage cooking until lightly browned; toss in all the vegetables and seasonings (except the fresh parsley). Add the ketchup, tomato sauce, and broken up italian stewed tomatoes with juices, stirring to combine. Cover skillet, and reduce heat to simmer, cooking sauce low and slow for 2 hours, while stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, about 20 minutes before sauce is done, begin cooking spaghetti according to directions, and toss garlic bread into oven shortly thereafter and also cooking it according to directions.

For the salad, tear the romaine lettuce into a large bowl, add your desired amount of ‘Marie’s’ caesar salad dressing, and freshly grated parmesan; tossing to combine.  Add bacon bits, seasoned croutons, and freshly ground pepper; tossing just before serving.

Add freshly chopped parsley to the spaghetti sauce, and stir to combine.

Max serves his spaghetti sauce over noodles family style, with a small bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top, if  desired.  He places slices of garlic bread, including a mound of caesar salad along side, + a nice glass of red wine. - Enjoy!