Spaghetti Casserole

May 5, 2013: I first made Spaghetti Casserole for a celebratory dinner with Andy when I got a promotion at work. 

My new office!

One wall in my new office:
My TCU diploma, my UT diploma, and my LPC license

The kind, praising emails that followed from my co-workers were absolutely heartwarming. I've included a few of them below. Thank you all for your constant support and encouragement, and I can't wait to start my new position! I have so much to learn, and I am eager for the opportunity to grow as a clinician. 

My office

Here, here. I agree wholeheartedly. Kate is bright, industrious, and enthusiastic, and has a bright future ahead of her. Cook is a better organization for being a part of that future. I was proud to have her as a counseling intern. I’m prouder to have her as a colleague. -Phil

GREAT NEWS! Kate is a treasure and congrats to her. We will all benefit!!

Lena 

I am so excited for you!  You are a hard worker and a team player.  You will do great things, I know it!  Best Wishes with your new position.

Buffi

We were so pleased when we learned you will be joining us! 

 Kimberly 

A S'Mores Martini at Bar Louie to celebrate my new job!

Congratulations Kate!!! This is wonderful news! So excited for Kate! - Elizabeth

Congratulations, Kate!  You give 110% in everything you do. I'm so happy for you and your new role. -Melody

Congratulations, Kate!   -Carol

Congratulations Kate!  I know you will continue to be a true asset -Helen Thomas

Congrats Kate…..very exciting and well deserved! -Mandy

Congratulations Kate!!  That is amazing!! :)  You will do great in your new role! -Holly

Spaghetti Casserole
Pinterest.com

Servings: 8; Weight Watchers PointsPlus Value: 6

Spaghetti Casserole

• 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti

• 1 pound ground beef (I use Laura's Lean Beef, 96% fat free)

• 1 large can spaghetti sauce (26.5 ounces) (try a light marinara)

• 1 tablespoon butter (I use Smart Balance Light)

• ½ cup chopped green peppers

• ⅓ cup chopped onions

• 8 ounces fat-free cream cheese

• 2 tbsp skim milk

• 1/2 c grated part-skim or reduced fat Parmesan cheese

1. Cook spaghetti according to directions on the package. Cook to al dente, drain and set aside.
2. Brown ground beef. Drain excess grease. 
3. Add spaghetti sauce to skillet and heat.
4. Combine onions, peppers and butter in small glass bowl. 
5. Cover and microwave 4 minutes on high until soft.
6. Add cream cheese and milk to vegetables and stir well. (If cream cheese is not soft, nuke it for 20-30 seconds to make it easy to spread.)
7. Using a 12 x 8-inch baking dish (or something close), assemble in the following order: thin layer of spaghetti sauce, cooked spaghetti, cream cheese/vegetable mixture, remaining spaghetti sauce, parmesan cheese (amount subject to your own taste)
8. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. 

Keep on cookin'!

-Katherine