This casserole is easy to construct and warm in the oven 30 minutes. I'd get a bagged salad, add some fresh vegies, and a sourdough bread and dipping oil with spices.
You can make this meal in 40 minutes, then heat for 30.
After being refrigerated, this casserole reheats beautifully!
Noodle Bake
1 ½ lbs. high quality ground beef
1 ½ tsp garlic
2 cans tomato sauce
1 pkg medium egg noodles
1 Tbsp butter, plus 2 Tbsp.
1 16 oz sour cream
1 lg softened cream cheese
Optional: 2 Tbsp. chives
In large skillet, brown and well drain ground beef.
Add tomato sauce, and garlic and simmer about 20 minutes .
Butter 3 qt casserole and place a side.
In bowl, mix sour cream and softened cream cheese.
(I use my hand mixer).
Hand stir chives in.
Cook egg noodles aldente with oil in the water to prevent clumping.
Drain and toss lightly with 2 tbsp butter.
In buttered 3 qt casserole layer:
1/2 of the noodles
1/2 of the cheese mixture
1/2 of the meat mixture.
Repeat layers in same order.
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 min. Cheese may be covered to prevent browning.
May be made a day ahead, refrigerated and cooked for 1 hour.
