Beef, Spinach, and Noodle Casserole

Makes 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 min.
Baking Time: 40 min.

Ingredients:

•    8 ounces noodles
•    1 pound extra lean ground beef
•    1 medium onion, finely chopped
•  15-ounces and 8-ounce tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
•    1 cup fat-free sour cream
•    8 ounces fat-free or low-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup fat-free milk
•  10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
•    1 cup reduced-at Cheddar cheese, shredded

Cooking Directions:

Preheat oven to 350-degrees.  Grease a 9x14-inch baking pan.

1) In a large saucepan cook noodles in boiling water until al dente.  Drain and set aside.

2) In a large skillet cook beef until brown and fully ready.

3) Add onions and cook until clear.  Drain off any fat.

4) Stir in tomato sauce, basil, oregano, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

5) Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

6) In a small bowl combine sour cream, cream cheese, and milk.

7) Beat until smooth with an electric mixer.  Set aside.

8) To assemble casserole layer half the noodles, half the meat, half the cream cheese mixture, and all the spinach.

9) Top with remaining noodles and meat.

10) Cover and bake for 30 minutes.

11) Remove from oven and spread with the remaining cream cheese mixture.

12) Top with cheddar cheese.  Bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until cheese has melted.

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