Amish Casserole

I absolutely hate the question, "What's for dinner?" Every time one of them asks me, I want to punch them in the face. I'm not quite sure why. It's kind of like them saying, "I'm hungry, so get your butt in the kitchen and cook." And if you know me, you know I don't take orders very well. I like to do my own thing on my own time.

So, after dealing with it and keeping my mouth shut for 8 months, I found this nifty little weekly menu planner calendar online. When I went grocery shopping last week, I sat down with it and planned out the meals for the nights we'd be home for the next two weeks. I was quite pleased with myself, putting together entrees and side dishes and displaying it prominently on the cork board in the kitchen... I still get asked what's for dinner every day. At this point, however, I've deviated from it and switched meals around. Can't win can I? =)

I'm not sure where this dish got it's name. I found it on a website a couple months ago and it sounded good so I made it. I think I enjoy it more than the guys do, but there's nothing wrong with that, right?

Here's what you'll need:
1 lb ground beef
1 package pasta, cooked and drained
10 oz cream of chicken soup
15 oz tomato sauce
1 tbsp sugar
4 slices American cheese
1/4 cup shredded cheese



Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain and return to pot. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown ground beef and drain.



Coat noodles with cream of chicken soup. Add tomato sauce and sugar to ground beef and stir.





The size of the pan you use doesn't really matter. I actually normally would use a pie dish, but I used different noodles this time and I didn't figure they'd fit in there nicely. Put half the noodles in the bottom of the pan. Add half the beef mixture, then top with the 4 slices of American cheese.







Cover with the rest of the noodles, beef, and top with the shredded cheese.



Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and casserole is heated through.


Servings 6; Calories 538.3; Fat 27.3 g; Carbs 43.7 g; Fiber 4.6g; Protein 29.3g

Subbing ground turkey will cut down on the fat content if you're concerned there. This dish is hearty and very satisfying. I will say I used the rotini this time instead of the egg noodles and I didn't drain them enough, so it still tastes a bit wet. Be careful. Enjoy!