When it comes to hearty, comforting meals that are easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family, Poor Man Husband Casserole is a top contender. This delicious casserole layers tender egg noodles with savory ground beef in a rich tomato sauce, combined with a creamy blend of cream cheese and sour cream, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
8 ounces egg noodles, cooked
1 ½ pounds ground beef
2 cans (30 ounces) tomato sauce
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
8 ounces sour cream
2 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp sugar
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Season the beef with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sugar and tomato sauce, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with sour cream until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles, followed by half of the cream cheese mixture, and then half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers to build a hearty casserole.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Tips:
Let it Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Portion Control: For even servings, use a sharp knife or spatula to cut the casserole into squares or rectangles. This ensures everyone gets a fair share.
Accompaniments: Serve with a fresh side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread to complement the richness of the casserole.
Garnishes: For added flavor, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or a dash of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep for up to 4 days.
Freezing: If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 30-40 minutes.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil to prevent the top from drying out and heat until warmed through.
Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, be careful not to overcook the casserole, as this can dry out the creamy layers and make the noodles less appetizing.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of cheese for this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with other types of cheese if you prefer. Some great alternatives include Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well to achieve a creamy, gooey topping.
Can I make Poor Man’s Husband Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
How can I make this casserole a bit healthier?
To lighten up the casserole, you can use lean ground beef or substitute it with ground turkey or chicken. You can also use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream. For a boost of vegetables, consider adding finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce.
Can I freeze Poor Man’s Husband Casserole?
Yes, this Poor Man Husband Casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, about 30-40 minutes.
Conclusion:
This Poor Man Husband Casserole is not only budget-friendly but also delivers a comforting, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a hearty dinner, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy textures in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Poor Man Husband Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a satisfying and budget-friendly meal featuring layers of tender egg noodles, savory ground beef in tomato sauce, and a creamy blend of cream cheese and sour cream. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners and provides a hearty, comforting dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
8 ounces egg noodles, cooked
1 ½ pounds ground beef
2 cans (30 ounces) tomato sauce
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
8 ounces sour cream
2 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp sugar
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat. Season with garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sugar and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix the softened cream cheese with sour cream until smooth.
- Layer half of the cooked noodles, cream cheese mixture, and meat sauce in the baking dish. Repeat layers.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a dash of red pepper flakes.
To make ahead, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
