Eight-Layer Casserole - Recipe.com

By SMorrissey

Follow the make ahead directions to get a head start on dinner with this great beef and cheese noodle casserole recipe.

Ingredients

• 3 cups dried medium noodles (6 ounces)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 Cloves fresh minced garlic
• 1/3 cup chopped onion (1 small)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 8-ounce cans tomato sauce (I use basil spagetti sauce and omitt dried basil)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
• 1 8-ounce carton dairy sour cream see savings
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup milk see savings
• 1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, cooked and well drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

Preparation

Step 1

1.Grease a 2-quart casserole or a 2-quart square baking dish; set aside. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.

2.Meanwhile, in a large skillet cook beef,add onions and fresh garlic. Drain off fat. Stir tomato sauce, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper into skillet. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

3.In a medium mixing bowl beat together the sour cream and cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Stir in milk and onion. In prepared casserole or baking dish, layer half of the noodles (about 2 cups), half of the meat mixture (about 1 1/2 cups), half of the cream cheese mixture (about 1 cup), and all of the spinach. Top with the remaining meat mixture and noodles. Cover and chill remaining cream cheese mixture until needed.

4.Cover casserole or baking dish with lightly greased foil. Bake in 350 degree F oven about 45 minutes or until heated through. Uncover; spread with remaining cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with the cheddar cheese. Bake, uncovered, about 10 minutes more or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

5.Makes 8 servings

6.Make-ahead directions: Prepare as directed through Step 3. Cover with lightly greased foil and chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes or until heated through. Uncover; spread with remaining cream-cheese mixture. Sprinkle with the cheddar cheese.Bake, uncovered, about 10 minutes more or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before baking.