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Poor Man Husband Casserole

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A Hearty Classic: Poor Man's Husband Casserole

Poor Man Husband Casserole

This recipe isn't just budget-friendly, it's a nostalgic taste of comfort food heaven! Poor Man's Husband Casserole is a classic casserole dish that's easy on the wallet and delivers big on flavor. Made with simple ingredients you might already have on hand, it's a lifesaver for busy weeknights or those days when you just crave a hearty and satisfying meal.

Budget-Friendly Bliss:

Forget expensive takeout! Poor Man's Husband Casserole is your champion for frugal feasts. With ground beef, pantry staples like tomato sauce and pasta, and a creamy combination of sour cream and cream cheese, this dish proves that delicious doesn't have to be expensive.

A Customizable Classic:

The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility. Don't have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! Feel free to substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef, or add your favorite vegetables like peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers. This casserole is a blank canvas for your creativity, allowing you to tailor it to your taste and what you have in your pantry.

Here are the ingredients for Poor Man Husband Casserole:

  • Base:
    • 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
  • Meat:
    • 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) ground beef
  • Vegetables:
    • 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
  • Creamy Mixture:
    • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
    • 8 ounces (226 grams) sour cream
  • Cheese:
    • 1 ½ cups (150 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • Seasonings:
    • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional:
    • 1 tablespoon sugar (for a touch of sweetness)

Additional Notes:

  • You can substitute other types of pasta for the egg noodles, such as macaroni or penne.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as chopped onions, green peppers, or corn.
  • You can adjust the amount of cheese to your preference.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Comfort Food Bliss:

  1. Preheat for Perfection: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and the cheese melts to gooey perfection.
  2. Browning the Base: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it loses its pink color and is cooked through. Drain any excess grease to prevent a greasy casserole.
  3. Adding the Savory Touches: Once the beef is browned, add the Italian seasoning and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld and release their aroma.
  4. The Simmering Sauce Symphony: Pour the tomato sauce and sugar into the skillet with the seasoned beef. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer this mixture for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together and create a rich and flavorful base for the casserole.
  5. Creating the Creamy Dream: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and cream cheese. This creamy mixture adds a decadent touch to the casserole and helps bind all the ingredients together.
  6. Cooking the Noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly.
  7. Layering Up the Flavor: Now comes the fun part – assembling the casserole! Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread half of the cooked egg noodles in an even layer on the bottom.
  8. Creamy and Meaty Layers: Top the noodles with half of the creamy sour cream and cream cheese mixture, followed by half of the seasoned ground beef mixture. Repeat these layers, creating another layer of noodles, cream mixture, and finally, the remaining ground beef.
  9. A Cheesy Crown: Generously sprinkle the top of the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese. This cheesy topping will melt beautifully during baking, creating a golden brown and irresistible finish.
  10. Baking to Golden Perfection: Place the assembled casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
  11. Dinner is Served! Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burning mouths. Spoon generous portions of this hearty and comforting casserole onto plates and enjoy!

Tips & Variations:

For an extra kick of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture while sautéing.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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