Eight-Layer Casserole

Name: Eight-Layer Casserole
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 1 pound frozen home-style egg noodles; 2 pounds ground beef; 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon dried minced onion; 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 teaspoons each Italian seasoning, dried basil and dried parsley flakes; 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 1 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

My sister shared this original recipe, but I adapted it for my family's taste. I like that it's a nutritious meal in one dish, and when my boys were young, it was a good way to disguise vegetables. This is also a good dish for potlucks.

Ingredients

1 pound frozen home-style egg noodles
2 pounds ground beef
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons each Italian seasoning, dried basil and dried parsley flakes
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1/2 cup milk
2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Cook noodles according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add the tomato sauce, onion, sugar and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream and milk.
Place half of the noodles in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; top with 3 cups meat mixture. Layer with cream cheese mixture, spinach, and remaining meat mixture and noodles. Sprinkle with cheeses (dish will be full).
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.