Beef Lombardi Casserole
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 can (28 oz) tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons honey
½ teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1 bay leaf
1 package cooked egg noodles
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
6 green onions, chopped
1 cup sour cream
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
-Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned, then drain any excess fat.
-Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the tomatoes, honey, Tabasco sauce, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this simmer gently for about 30 minutes to meld the flavors together beautifully.
-While your sauce simmers, take a large bowl and mix together the cooked egg noodles with cream cheese, green onions, and sour cream until everything is evenly combined.
-Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the noodle mixture across the bottom. Top this with half of the beef and tomato sauce, then sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers once more, finishing with a generous layer of cheese.
-Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden.
-Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking, then serve up this hearty dish and watch as it becomes a new family favorite.
