Hamburger Noodle Casserole

5 cups uncooked egg noodles
1-1/2 pounds italian sausage (or lean ground beef - this will make calorie and fat count lower)
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 package (8 ounces) reduced fat cream cheese
1 cup 1% cottage cheese
1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
3 green onions, thinly sliced, divided
1/2 cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese

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

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

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

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

Many ways to make this an even healthier dish. Substitute sausage for 90% lean ground beef, use whole wheat egg noodles, use fat free cream cheese and sour cream. Use fat free shredded cheese. I used what I had in the house. The kids and husband love it!

Serving Size: 10 servings

Number of Servings: 10

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user HAMMOD.