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Poor Man’s Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

Poor Man’s Casserole is a comforting and hearty layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy noodles, and a luscious blend of cheeses baked to golden perfection. This budget-friendly casserole combines bold spices and simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • ½ tbsp garlic powder
  • ½ tbsp onion powder
  • ½ tbsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tbsp + 1 tsp Tony’s Creole seasoning (divided)
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 6 garlic cloves (chopped)
  • Salt and cracked black pepper (to taste)
  • 28 oz can tomato sauce
  • ¾ cup water
  • Pinch of sugar

Noodles & Cream Mixture

  • 12 oz wide egg noodles
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 8 oz sour cream

Cheese

  • 8 oz freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided)
  • 5 oz freshly shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a meat masher. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and ½ tbsp Tony’s Creole seasoning over the meat. Sauté until meat is almost browned. Add chopped onions, garlic, cracked black pepper, and salt, and cook until the meat is fully browned.
  2. Cook the Egg Noodles: While the meat is browning, boil the wide egg noodles in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
  3. Simmer the Meat Sauce: If there’s excess oil in the pan, remove some before adding the tomato sauce. Pour in the tomato sauce and rinse the can with ¾ cup of water, adding the water to the pan. Add a pinch of sugar and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. Mix the Creamy Noodle Sauce: In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 tsp Tony’s Creole seasoning until smooth. Add the cooked egg noodles and stir until noodles are fully coated in the creamy mixture.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish with non-stick spray. Begin by spreading a ladleful of meat sauce evenly on the bottom. Layer half of the creamy noodles on top and sprinkle 4 oz Colby Jack cheese evenly. Add three ladlefuls of meat sauce and spread evenly. Add the remaining creamy noodles in an even layer, then sprinkle the remaining 4 oz Colby Jack cheese over the noodles. Top with the rest of the meat sauce spread evenly, and finish by sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
  6. Bake and Rest: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 20 to 25 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Enjoy your hearty Poor Man’s Casserole!

Notes

  • Softening the cream cheese in the microwave for about 15 seconds helps with easier mixing.
  • Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference, especially the Tony’s Creole seasoning, which adds a nice kick.
  • Make sure the egg noodles are cooked al dente to prevent the casserole from becoming mushy after baking.
  • Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Keywords: Poor Man's Casserole, cheesy beef casserole, creamy noodle casserole, budget-friendly dinner, baked casserole recipe

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