Description
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a budget-friendly, hearty dish made with simple pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese. This comforting, easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and great for leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz egg noodles or pasta
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Brown Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Drain excess grease.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Mix Creamy Layer: In a bowl, combine sour cream and cream cheese until smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a baking dish and layer:
- Half of the cooked pasta
- Cream cheese mixture
- Ground beef mixture
- Remaining pasta
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest & Serve: Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Pasta Choice: Egg noodles, penne, or rotini work best as they hold the sauce well.
- Prevent Drying Out: Cover the casserole with foil while baking and remove it in the last few minutes to melt the cheese.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking.
- Healthier Option: Use lean ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
- Freezing Instructions: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Extra Cheesy: Add an extra layer of shredded cheese between the pasta and beef mixture for a cheesier bite.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
