Hamburger Noodle Bake

30 min | 10 min prep
SERVES 4

* 1 lb hamburger
* 2 teaspoons minced onions
* 1 teaspoon minced garlic
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 16 ounces tomato sauce
* 3 ounces cream cheese (I softened it in the microwave so it would stir easier)
* 8 ounces sour cream
* 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
* 1 (8 ounce) package noodles, cooked and drained (this is where all my odds and ends from pasta packages end up; it adds variety, right?)

1. Brown hamburger, onions, and spices until cooked.
2. Add tomato sauce and simmer 15 minutes.
3. Mix cream cheese and sour cream.
4. In 2-quart casserole, put 1/3 noodles, 1/3 cream mix, 1/3 meat mix.
5. Repeat twice.
6. Sprinkle cheddar on top.
7. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.

What I like about this recipe it that it is kind of like a lasagna (except you don't need to spend as much on cheese) and it is also delicious. We have had it a few times and each time my husband says, "Hey, this is pretty good." (In his defense for not recognizing it, I hate eating the same thing over and over so he doesn't see a recipe again for a few months...) For pictures, see Recipe Zaar

South of the Border Pizza

I will admit (and the picture proves it) that I really don't know how to make nice edges on my pizzas (and I'm too lazy to shred the lettuce). They taste great, though! This recipe makes two pizzas, but I cut it in half for our small family.

South-of-the-Border Pizza

▪ 1 tablespoon cornmeal

▪ 1 loaf (1 pound) frozen bread dough, thawed

▪ 1/2 pound lean ground beef

▪ 1 medium onion, chopped

▪ 1 sweet yellow pepper, chopped

▪ 1 garlic clove, minced

▪ 1 can (16 ounces) fat-free refried beans

▪ 1 cup salsa

▪ 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies

▪ 1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder

▪ 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded reduced-fat Mexican-blend cheese

▪ 2 medium tomatoes, chopped

▪ 2 cups shredded lettuce

Coat two 12-in. pizza pans with nonstick cooking spray; sprinkle with cornmeal. Divide the bread dough in half; roll each portion into a 12-in. circle. Transfer to prepared pans. Build up edges slightly; prick dough thoroughly with a fork. Bake at 425° for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook the beef, onion, yellow pepper and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in refried beans, salsa, chilies and chili powder; heat through. Spread over the crusts; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 6-7 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Top with tomatoes and lettuce; serve immediately. Yield: 2 pizzas (6 slices each).