Hamburger Noodle Casserole

As the autumn air starts to cool us down, and the rainy weather closes in, I can't help but get giddy!  I see some jammie days, extra snuggles with my kiddos, and LOTS of comfort food in the very near future.

 

Speaking of comfort food, my mom used to make this warm-your-heart casserole all of the time--it is one of my faves!  Layers of flavor, ooey gooey cheese, and a very rich sauce.  If it makes you happy to even just think about those things, then wait until you actually taste this yummy dish! :-D

 

Hamburger Noodle Casserole

 

8 oz. wide egg noodles

1-2 beef bouillon cubes

1 1/2 lb. ground beef

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste

6 oz. water

1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

8 oz. sour cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

 

 

Boil noodles w/bouillon cubes, according to package directions.

 

 

Drain noodles; set aside.

 

 

Brown ground beef; drain.

 

 

Stir tomato paste and water (use can to measure 6 oz.) into browned ground beef.

 

 

Heat mixture thoroughly; set aside.

 

 

In medium bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and soup.

 

 

Now that all of our ingredients are combined (then set aside) as above, we are ready to layer this beautiful masterpiece of colors and flavors!

 

Place noodles in buttered casserole dish.

 

 

Layer ground beef mixture on top of noodles.

 

 

Spread soup mixture over meat.

 

Cook in oven preheated to 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

 

Sprinkle cheese over top.

 

Cook in oven for another 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

 

 My family enjoys when I serve this with  a veggie (usually peas) and garlic bread. 

 

I hope you enjoy this rich, gooey dish as much as we do!

Enjoy! <3

Spinach Artichoke Dip (Best ever!!!)

As I ease into my very first "Yumminess" section post, I thought I would share a recipe that I have been making for years--Spinach Artichoke Dip! 

I absolutely love ALL spinach artichoke dips, and try them as often as I can, anywhere I can.  Some have Alfredo sauce and some have sour cream (this one has neither), and they are all beyond delicious, but this is the recipe that has never once failed me.  I must warn you--there is nothing healthy about this version (although, you are more than welcome to substitute *lighter* versions of each ingredient), but this is my fave way to make it.  Comfort food all the way!!!

Spinach Artichoke Dip

 

8  oz. Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded

1 c. Parmesan cheese, shredded (NOT grated!)

1 c. Mayonnaise (NOT Miracle Whip!)

5 oz. Frozen chopped spinach

2 jars (6.5 oz. each) Marinated Artichoke Hearts (NOT in water!)

1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder

Tortilla Chips, Veggies, or Sourdough Bread for dipping

Because, for some weird reason, I can't seem to find pre-shredded jack cheese in our supermarkets, I have to grate by hand.  Hopefully you can find pre-shredded, and can skip this step! ;-)

Hint: I like to measure out the 1 cup of mayo in the Pampered Chef measuring cup thingy (don't know the "official" name), then I pull it down to the 2 cup level to measure out the Parm cheese.

 

 

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, mayo, and garlic powder.

Remove frozen chopped spinach from package and put in microwave safe bowl.  Thaw in microwave for approximately 2 minutes (on high.)  Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.  Shred spinach (with fingers--caution, it may be hot!), then add to bowl with other ingredients.  Mix well.

 

 

Drain marinated artichoke hearts.  Hint: Line a cup (disposable or not) with a ziploc bag. Drain the marinade/oil into the ziploc bag. When drained, you can zip up the bag and toss it in the trash without any fear of it leaking all over your trash can/bag!

Coarsely chop drained marinated artichoke hearts. Add to cheese/mayo mixture.

 

Spoon mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.

 

 

Heat, uncovered, in a 350 degree oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until bubbly.

 

 

 

Serve with tortilla chips, sourdough bread pieces, or veggies.

 

Enjoy!!!  <3