Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add Flavor: Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the browned beef. Stir well.
4. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and add the sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Creamy Layer

1. Blend Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well combined.

Cook the Noodles

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Noodles: Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain Noodles: Drain the cooked noodles in a colander.

Assemble and Bake the Casserole

1. Grease Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the cooked egg noodles in the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with half of the cream cheese mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, cream cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
3. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.