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Poor Man Husband Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 72 reviews

Poor Man Husband Casserole is a hearty, comforting baked dish featuring a savory combination of ground beef, creamy layers of cream cheese and sour cream, tender egg noodles, and a rich tomato-based meat sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners and guarantees a satisfying meal with classic flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
  • 16 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Creamy Layer

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 8 oz sour cream

Noodles and Topping

  • 8 oz egg noodles (any wide variety)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Get Your Oven Ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it come to full temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring well.
  3. Make the Meat Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and granulated sugar to the beef mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
  4. Mix the Creamy Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix thoroughly until smooth and free of lumps.
  5. Cook the Noodles: Boil the egg noodles in salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
  6. Layer It All Up: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start with half of the noodles as the base, spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then add half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers with the remaining noodles, cream mixture, and meat sauce. Finish by sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  7. Bake Until Bubbly: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the cheddar cheese has melted and turned golden. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Using a wide egg noodle will help absorb the sauce better.
  • Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up for easier serving.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat easily in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Poor Man Husband Casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy beef casserole, easy casseroles, baked noodle casserole

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/poor-man-husband-casserole-recipe/