Fake Lasagna

Last week a friend and I got together to make dinner.  We don't see each other often because of our work schedule but like to cook when we do.  That day, we both went through our cookbooks looking for something to make...then I thought of one of my favorite meals as a child, fake lasagna! 

Another title is Laura's lasagna.  There was this elderly couple in the local Rose Society (my dad was a rosarian, even took trips to judge rose shows!) and they kind of adopted us.  We called them Uncle Joe and Aunt Laura.  By MY memory (I could be wrong and if I am we'll pretend I'm not!) she gave us this recipe.  It's pretty simple just noodles on the bottom, meat and tomato mixture on top, with cheese topping that.  What makes it special is what is IN the noodles...cream cheese! 

OH!  This just makes it delicious.  I just can't think of a reason a child wouldn't like this (unless they can't have diary or something like that).  This time, I even got whole wheat egg noodles.  I was worried at first but it turned out great.  I'm planning on trying to do variations on this with a bit less cream cheese and topping it with a veggie mixture.  I think that would be great!  Please try and enjoy this recipe from my childhood!

Laura's (Fake) Lasagna
4 cups egg noodles

1 lb ground beef
½ cup onion, chopped
2 8oz cans tomato sauce
1 tsp garlic salt
8oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 can evaporated milk (the small one, 5oz maybe - I used 1/2 cup)
1 cup mozzarella

Cook noodles until soft in boiling water. Brown beef and onion. Add tomato sauce and cook until thickened. Drain noodles and stir in cheese, milk, and garlic salt. When melted pour into a 2 quart baking dish. Spread meat mixture over the top. Top with cheese. Bake in 375 degree oven for 10 minutes or until cheese browns.
Enjoy!