Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Hamburger Noodle Casserole

This creamy and satisfying dish is similar to Hamburger Helper, without the processed cheese and salt content.

Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Yield: 10 servings

5 cups uncooked egg noodles
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
1 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
3 green onions, thinly sliced, divided
2/3 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook beef and garlic until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt and pepper; heat through. Drain noodles; stir into beef mixture.

In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, ricotta cheese and sour cream until blended. Stir in half of the onions.

Spoon half of the noodle mixture into a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Top with cheese mixture and remaining noodle mixture.

Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with remaining onions.

Tips and Tricks
This recipe makes a lot of food, so I split it in half, using a little less than a pound of meat and one can of tomato sauce. Use whatever kind of cheese you have on hand. The prep also took less time than the original recipe called for.
Make It Healthier
Use whole wheat noodles. Omit salt. Rinse ground beef after browning to remove extra fat
How Kids Can Help
Measure ingredients. Stir cheese mixture. Layer ingredients in pan.

Nutrition Facts
1 cup equals 319 calories, 14 g fat (8 g saturated fat), 92 mg cholesterol, 635 mg sodium, 23 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 24 g protein
Diabetic Exchanges
3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat

5 comments:

Jen Hill said...

I am definitely trying this tonight and will post any commnents afterwards from my family. My kids love Hamburger Helper, by I'm with you, too salty and too artificial yuck! I love ricotta cheese, so this should be very tasty!

Jen Hill said...

This was a lot of food, thanks for the warning. We put a pretty big dent in it though. Very good, but I think the sauce needs a little more flavor, maybe adding some basil and more onion, possibly parmesan cheese to the cheese mixture, (and that probably makes it a lasagna recipe!).
Naomi really enjoyed helping me make this, she stirred the cheeses and added the green onions. She also helped sprinkle on the cheese at the end. I love how you always suggest having the kids help with the cooking! Best, Jen

Kayris said...

Jen--thanks for letting us know what you thought! This was a new recipe for me too, and I agree with the sauce. I expected the ingredients to include garlic and was surprised when it did not, but wanted to try the recipe as is before tinkering with it. Next time I will definitely add some garlic and Italian seasoning.

Jen Hill said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jen Hill said...

I love this website and check it everyday! Love your picture Mommyk. Keep up the wonderful work. xoJen