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1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook noodles, according to package directions, until barely tender.
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2
Rinse in cold water to stop the cooking, and drain.
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3
Melt butter in a large skillet, add the ground beef and minced garlic and saute until beef loses its pinkness and is well crumbled.
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4
If using garlic powder, add it now, along with the salt, pepper, sugar, and tomato sauce.
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5
Cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
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6
Cream the cream cheese if using ; blend in cottage cheese and sour cream (yes, you may use low-fat varieties).
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7
Butter a 13x9-inch baking dish.
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8
Spread 1/2 of the noodles over the bottom.
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9
Top this with 1/2 of the cheese mixture and then 1/2 of the meat sauce.
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10
repeat layers.
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11
Sprinkle top with grated Cheddar cheese.
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12
Bake in preheated over about 20-30 minutes until bubbly.
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13
Varisations:.
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14
You can vary this recipe in lots off ways to suit your family's taste buds.
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15
Here's a few suggestions.
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16
(1) Saute an onion or 1/2 lb.
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17
cleaned, sliced mushrooms with the meat.
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18
(2) Add a pinch of basil and/or oregano to the meat sauce.
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19
(3) Add 1/4 cup chopped olives to the cheese mixture.
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20
(4) Sprinkle one-half of a 10-oz.
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21
package of frozen chopped spinach, defrosted, and very well drained, atop each layer of cheese mixture.
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22
(5) Instead of Cheddar cheese, sprinkle the top of casserole with 1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese.
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23
NOTE: Entire casserole can be prepared earlier in the day and refrigerated.
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24
Add 10-15 minutes to reheating time in this case.
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25
When reheating leftovers, cover with foil.
