Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
This hearty and budget-friendly casserole layers creamy, cheesy pasta with a rich meat sauce, perfect for satisfying the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Base:
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked al dente (follow package directions)
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 cans (30 ounces total) tomato sauce
For the Creamy Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook until just tender (al dente).
- Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Make the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until no pink remains.
- Drain the excess grease and return the skillet to the heat.
- Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the sugar, followed by the tomato sauce. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
4. Prepare the Creamy Layer
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream. Whisk or stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread half of the cooked pasta evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Dollop and spread half of the creamy mixture over the pasta.
- Spoon half of the meat sauce evenly over the creamy layer.
- Repeat the layers: add the remaining pasta, creamy mixture, and then the meat sauce.
6. Add the Cheesy Topping
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Tips for Success:
- Customize the Seasonings: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or swap Italian seasoning with fresh basil or oregano for a more robust flavor.
- Make It Veggie-Friendly: Add layers of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy this comforting casserole that’s both budget-friendly and delicious!