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Poor Man’s Husband Casserole: A Simple, Budget-Friendly Comfort Meal

Budget-Friendly Comfort Meal Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a simple, budget-friendly comfort meal combining ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese mixture baked to bubbly perfection. This hearty casserole is easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or anyone craving a warm, satisfying dish without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni or shells work well)

Creamy Layer

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup cottage cheese

Topping

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  4. Add Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, optional diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors well.
  5. Make Creamy Layer: In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and cottage cheese until smooth and well combined. This will create a rich middle layer for the casserole.
  6. Assemble Layers: Begin by spreading half of the cooked pasta evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta. Next, spread the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture evenly on top of the meat layer. Add the remaining pasta over the creamy layer, then spoon the remaining meat sauce on top.
  7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top of the assembled casserole for a flavorful cheesy crust.
  8. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  9. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Poor Man’s Husband Casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, baked pasta casserole, easy weeknight dinner, budget-friendly meals

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/budget-friendly-comfort-meal-recipe/