Three-Layer Beef Casserole

A great, easy to make ground beef casserole, taken from Sunset's Potluck cookbook and slightly modified to our liking. Everyone I've made it for loves it. Easily fills a 9x12 casserole dish and will feed a large family or group.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 lbs  ground sirloin
• 3  garlic cloves, pressed
• 1  large  brown onion, finely chopped
• 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 2  tablespoons dry basil
• 1 (10 ounce) package spinach fettuccine
• 1 (4 ounce) package sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1⁄2 cup sour cream
• 1⁄2 cup milk

Directions

1. NOTE: Extra lean ground beef may be used in place of ground sirloin.
2. Crumble ground beef into a wide frying pan over medium heat, cooking and stirring until browned.
3. Discard all excess fat and stir in garlic, onion, tomato sauce, and basil.
4. Reduce heat, cover loosely, and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, in a 6- to 8-quart pan, cook pasta according to package directions, until just tender to bite - do not overcook.
6. Spoon meat mixture into a 9x12 casserole dish.
7. Top evenly with pasta.
8. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over pasta.
9. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
10. Pour over the pasta using a knife to seperate pasta so it can drizzle down inside. (At this point you may cover and refrigerate for one day).
11. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes. If refrigerated, bake up to one hour.