Preparation:

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 2:
While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, making sure to break it apart as it cooks. This should take about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3:
Add the minced garlic to the browned beef and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4:
In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture will create the luscious layers that make the casserole so indulgent.

Step 5:
It’s time to assemble the casserole. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, begin by layering half of the cooked egg noodles at the bottom. Spread half of the cream cheese and sour cream mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the beef and tomato sauce mixture. Repeat these layers, finishing with the remaining beef mixture on top.

Step 6:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire casserole, covering it completely. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.