Linguini with Meat Sauce (Make Ahead)

Linguini with Meat Sauce (Make Ahead)

2 pounds lean ground beef
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 oz
1 can tomato sauce, 8 oz
1 can tomato paste, 6 oz
1 t. salt
2 t. sugar
2 cups sour cream
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
8 oz. linguini, cooked al dente and drained
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 8 oz

Brown the beef with the garlic in a heavy pan, stirring until crumbly; drain. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt and sugar. Simmer for 30 minutes and remove from heat. Mix the sour cream and cream cheese in a large bowl. Mix well. Add cooked pasta and mix well. Spread pasta mixture over bottom of a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Top evenly with meat sauce. Bake in preheated 350 oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bake for 5 minutes more or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. This recipe may be made ahead without the cheddar cheese and frozen. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 30 minute before adding the cheddar cheese and baking. Serves 8