Poor Man Husband Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Poor Man Husband Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines hearty ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender noodles in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s an easy, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs. ground beef
- 2 cans tomato sauce (15 oz. each)
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 8 oz. sour cream
- 8 oz. egg noodles
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 3: Add Italian seasoning and minced garlic to the beef, cooking for 30 seconds more.
- Step 4: Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Step 5: In a bowl, mix together the sour cream and cream cheese until smooth.
- Step 6: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until tender, then drain completely.
- Step 7: Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Layer half of the noodles evenly on the bottom.
- Step 8: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the meat mixture.
- Step 9: Repeat with the remaining noodles, cream cheese mixture, and meat mixture on top.
- Step 10: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped onions or bell peppers when browning the beef.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, or microwave in short bursts stirring occasionally. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne or rotini works well as a substitute for egg noodles.
Do I need to cook the cream cheese mixture before baking?
No, mixing the cream cheese with sour cream is enough; it will warm and meld with the other ingredients as it bakes.
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Poor Man Husband Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Poor Man Husband Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked dish combining ground beef, creamy cheese sauces, and tender egg noodles, all layered and baked to perfection. This casserole offers a delicious blend of savory flavors with a cheesy, tomato-infused twist, making it a perfect family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 ½ lbs. Ground beef
- 2 cans tomato sauce (15 oz. each)
- 2 tsp. Minced garlic
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. Sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy
- 8 oz. Cream cheese
- 8 oz. Sour cream
- 1 ½ cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
Pasta
- 8 oz. Egg noodles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the Italian seasoning and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Prepare sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the sugar, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Mix cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well blended.
- Cook noodles: Boil the egg noodles until they reach your desired tenderness, then drain completely.
- Assemble casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the cooked noodles evenly on the bottom, then top with half of the cream cheese mixture followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat layering with the remaining noodles, cream cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole layers to add a rich, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dish is heated through.
Notes
- Drain excess fat from browned beef to avoid greasiness in the casserole.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle a little extra Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like parsley on top before baking.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger cheesy flavor.
- Ensure noodles are well drained before layering to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Poor Man Husband Casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, easy dinner recipes, baked noodle casserole
