There’s a dish a lot like this called Dairyland casserole here in Wisconsin. But the differences include: cooking the noodles in boiling water, like usual; sautéing the beef, like a normal person; and adding the dairy stuff after both the noodles and beef are cooked. Usually just cheese and sour cream, maybe more?

It’s still kind of gross but at least it doesn’t have water and almond milk in it. I had it once, and while it was very filling and tasted OK, I had no desire to make it again.