Hearty Noodle Casserole *

------------------------------PATTI - VDRJ67A------------------------------ 16 oz Noodles; fine

1 1/2 lb Ground beef

1/2 c Onions; chopped

1 cn Cream of mushroom soup

1 cn Cream of chicken soup

3 c Cheddar cheese; cubed

3/4 c Milk

1/2 ts Salt

1/4 ts Pepper

1 c Chow mein noodles

1 c Cashew pieces

Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain; rinse with hot water. Heat oven to 350~F. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onion; drain. In a large bowl, combine soups, cheese, milk, salt, pepper. Add cooked ground beef and noodles; stir gently. Pour into 2 ungreased 2 quart casseroles. Cover: bakeat 350~F for 25 to 35 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Uncover; sprinkle with chow mein noodles and cashews. Bake an additional 10 minutes. Each casserole makes 6 (1 1/3 cup) servings. To freeze casserole, place in the freezer after the casserole is mixed, before baking. To prepare, thaw completely; increase baking time to 45 to 55 minutes. Colby cheese may be used instead of cheddar cheese. Peanuts may be used instead of cashews. -----