Layered Casserole

The secret to this recipe is to allow the tart, rich flavors of sour cream, cream cheese and Cheddar cheese to meld with the savory zing of a meaty tomato sauce by letting the layers chill together overnight. Bake it the next day for a crowd of friends.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 466 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
• ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces fresh pasta
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place ground beef in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot of boiling salted water cook pasta until al dente. Drain well.

Step 3

In a greased 13x9 inch casserole dish layer the cooked and drained pasta noodles on the bottom.

Step 4

In a medium size bowl combine the sour cream, cream cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Spread mixture over cooked pasta in baking dish.

Step 5

In a small bowl combine the sugar, tomato sauce, and cooked ground beef. Layer this on top of the sour cream mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle with additional shredded Cheddar cheese, if desired.

Step 6

Refrigerate casserole overnight. Remove from refrigerator one hour before baking.

Step 7

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 to 40 minutes. Allow to stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Step 8

If freezing casserole, allow to come to room temperature for one hour before baking.