Surprise Spaghetti Casserole

Recipe Ingredients

• 4 cups uncooked noodles (about 8 ounces)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon basil leaves
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves
• 3 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Method

1. Cook noodles as directed on package; drain, rinse and set aside.
2. Crumble ground beef into a 2-quart microwave-safe casserole. Add onion and garlic. Microwave uncovered on HIGH for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring once. Stir and drain. Stir in sauce, water, basil, oregano and pepper. Set aside.
3. Microwave cream cheese in a 2-cup glass measure, uncovered, on HIGH for 30 to 40 seconds or until softened. Stir in sour cream and milk. Remove half of meat mixture about 1 3/4 cups from casserole; spread remainder evenly in casserole. Top with half the noodles. Spoon sour cream mixture over noodles. Top with remaining noodles and meat mixture; spread to cover. Cover with casserole lid.
4. Microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes. Rotate dish and microwave on MEDIUM for 7 to 8 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with cheese. Let stand covered about 5 minutes.

Makes 8 servings; 455 calories each