Eight-Layer Casserole

By GratefulSea

I've modified this just a bit from the original, since I prefer to pre-cook the onions.

Ingredients

• 3 cups dried medium noodles (6 ounces)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/3 cup chopped onion (1 small)
• 2 8 -ounce cans tomato or spaghetti sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 8 -ounce carton (1 cup) dairy sour cream
• 1 8 -ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 10 -ounce package frozen chopped spinach, cooked and well drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

Preparation

Step 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.


Meanwhile, in a large skillet sauté the onions until they soften, then add the beef and cook until you see no traces of pink. Drain off fat.

Stir tomato sauce, basil, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into skillet. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.


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. 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.


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.