Pierogi Casserole

 I'm Catholic-and I celebrate Lent. Today is Friday and, for once, I'm actually trying to be good and not eat meat on Fridays. So, I figured, if you're doing then Lenten thing as well-I'd share a non-carnivorous recipe today. (I apologize for the awful photos, still trying to use up all the ones from my old camera).
And...well, I'm super busy this week, so that's all I've got. Not to mention the poor boyfriend is sick this week :( The sight of food isn't exactly good for him-cross your fingers I don't catch it! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and enjoy this cheesy, potato-y, nummy casserole!

Pierogi Casserole

From How Sweet It Is

Ingredients:

• 8 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 medium onion, chopped+more, to taste, on top
• 1/2 pound pasta (either farfalle or cut up lasagna noodles)
• 8 oz. cheddar cheese, hand grated (or apparently cubed/shredded Velveeta? I don't trust that stuff personally)+more, to taste, on top
• 1 1/2 sticks butter

Preparation:

• Set prepared potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Let them come to a boil and cook until tender-total time should be around 30 minutes.
• Cook pasta according to directions (DO NOT USE "OVEN READY" NOODLES!!! THEY WILL NOT WORK IN THIS CIRCUMSTANCE!). Once the pasta is drained, mix with 2 tbsp. butter. 
• In a skillet, over medium heat, melted 2 tbsp. butter and saute chopped onion until soft.
• Drain the potatoes and mash with 1 stick of butter and all the cheese. Mash until there are no lumps.
• Fold the sauteed onions into the potato mixture. 
• Spread pasta in a large, greased, baking dish (I used 9 x 13). Spread potato mixture on top. Sprinkle more cheese and onions if desired.
• Bake in an oven, preheated to 350 degrees, for 25 minutes.

P.S. Yes, I know St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner and I haven't said or posted anything about it. Truth? It's my least favorite holiday. All it's ever been to me is a lame day where people yell at me for not doing things I don't want to do. Growing up, I really disliked the color green, so I got pinched for not wearing it. Now-people get all worked up because I don't like to drink. St. Patrick's Day isn't my holiday, no sirree, I'll be working. Which, given that I give out free alcohol, should be pretty interesting. I hope y'all enjoy it though, if it's your sort of thing!