"Good Time Casserole"

Family!  Gotta love them, whenever we get together during the summer each family takes turns making meals.  Normally, there are the family favorites that get chosen and requested each year.  Aunt Margo's "Good Time Casserole" is one of those!  I guess it's a Canadian favorite but we enjoy it just as much in the states!  This hearty casserole is reminiscent of lasagna with the layers of noodles, meat and cheese.  I've served it when expecting guests and always get compliments!

 

Ingredients: (serves 7)
4 cups cooked noodles
2 pounds ground beef
4 7 1/2 ounce cans tomato sauce
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic salt
2 teaspoons sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups sour cream
5 green onions, sliced including tops
2 cups medium Cheddar Cheese, grated

Directions:

1. Prepare noodles as directed on package. Drain. Spread in bottom of 4 quart casserole.
2. Brown the beef in frying pan, stirring to break up chunks. Drain the oil
3. Add tomato sauce to meat. Measure in salt, pepper, garlic salt and sugar. Stir; bring to boil and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Spoon over noodles.
4. In bowl, mash cream cheese and sour cream. Stir in green onions. Spread over meat layer. Sprinkle cheese on top.
5. Bake uncovered in 350F oven for 35 minutes.

Note:  Pioneer Woman has a similar recipe that doesn't include the sugar and uses cottage cheese instead of cream cheese.  Her recipe uses 1/2 c. Sour Cream and 1 1/4 c. Cottage Cheese.