Extra Egg Noodles

Before I get to the recipe today, I have to take a minute and send out a very special birthday wish. Today is your Everyday Mom's Mom's birthday! That's right, the most special lady in my life turns a young 57 today! If you have been lucky enough to meet my mom, you know just what a genuinely great person she is; and for those of you who haven't, take my word for it. You will never know a more kind, caring, loyal, and loving person. She is the type of person that will go out of her way not only to help someone in need, but just to put a smile on their face. She is truly my best friend, always there when I need her the most; and the one person on this Earth I strive to be more like with every breath I take. Happy Birthday Mom! We love you more than we could ever show you!! 

Okay, now onto the food! This recipe came about because of a very simple reason; and sometimes the inspiration doesn't have to be divine to end up with something absolutely delicious. I made this because I was hungry for lasagna and had an extra bag of egg noodles in the pantry. That's it. That was my brilliant brainstorm! Nothing fancy. Nothing to over think. I decided I wanted all the flavors of lasagna, but in a casserole form so I could use up that extra bag of noodles sitting in my pantry. 

While the inspiration might not have been anything special, this recipe definitely is. Oh. My. Goodness....it is yummmmmmyyyyy! Layers of noodles, cheese and meat sauce all come together in the most most perfect way, so each bite is absolutely scrumptious.

And talk about easy! Perfect for a busy weeknight when the process of making an actual lasagna just isn't in the cards. In fact, this could easily be made the night before, set in the fridge, and then baked off the next night, or even later in the week, for those of you who like to do make ahead meals on the weekends. And I'm guessing it would actually freeze quite well too. And be sure to make the entire recipe, because the leftovers only keep tasting better. And if you have a pot luck, this would be a huge crowd favorite, or if you're taking a meal to new parents...they will adore you for this one! 

Sometimes the best recipes come from the most simple of places. Sometimes staring at what you already have in the house and letting the ideas start to flow can result in something new that quickly becomes a family favorite or even signature dish!

Lasagna Casserole
1 lb. egg noodles
1 lb. ground beef
1/4 c. finely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (26 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce
1 TBS Italian seasoning
1 (15 oz.) container ricotta cheese
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 c. shredded mozzarella
Dried Oregano
Dried Parsley

Preheat oven to 350. Cook egg noodles according to package directions, to al dente. While they cook, in a large skillet brown beef, onions, garlic, salt and pepper until no longer pink. Drain if neccessary. Add spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning. Stir well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer on LOW until pasta is done. In a large bowl combine ricotta, sour cream, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Stir well. Set aside. When noodles are done, drain very well. Add to ricotta mixture and toss to coat. Grease a 9 x 13 pan. Spread half the noodle mixture in bottom. Top with half the sauce mixture. Repeat layers. Top with mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with oregano and parsley. Cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 5 minutes more until cheese melted and golden brown.

Shared on The Country Cook Feb. 21, 2014

Casseroles at Very Good Recipes