Beef Lombardi

Like Italian cuisine? This recipe is as good as they get. Preparation time is not long, but the results are gratifying.

1 (8 oz.) pkg. medium egg noodles
1 lb. lean ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
¾ tsp dried Italian seasoning
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 (14.5 oz.) can or jar diced fire roasted tomatoes
1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
4 green onions, chopped
½ to ¾ cup shredded Italian six-cheese blend

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare egg noodles according to package directions.

Meanwhile, sprinkle ground beef with salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings. Cook beef in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring often, 5 to 6 minutes or until meat crumbles and is no longer pink.

Stir in tomato paste, and cook 2 to 3 more minutes; stir in roasted tomatoes, ½ cup water and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer about 8 to 10 minutes.

Microwave cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl at HIGH for 20 seconds. Stir in sour cream and green onions. Stir cream cheese mixture into hot cooked noodles.

Place noodle mixture in bottom of a lightly greased 11x7 baking dish. Top with beef mixture; sprinkle with shredded Italian cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Serve with a green salad and French bread.