Poor Man's Casserole

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula.

Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and Creole seasoning to the beef. Stir to combine.

Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Pour in the Italian sauce. Fill the empty can with water, swirl to get the remaining sauce, and pour the water into the skillet.

Stir in a pinch of sugar, bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook while you prepare the noodles.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, then drain.

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and a dash of Creole seasoning. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Add the cooked, drained egg noodles to the cream cheese mixture and toss gently to coat completely.

To assemble the casserole, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Top with half of the creamy noodle mixture, spreading it into an even layer.

Sprinkle about one-third of the shredded cheese over the noodles.

Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by the remaining noodle mixture.

Sprinkle with another third of the cheese, then top with all the remaining meat sauce.

Finish by sprinkling the rest of the shredded cheese evenly over the top.

Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.