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Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

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This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a budget-friendly, hearty, and comforting dish made with simple pantry staples. Layers of creamy noodles, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese come together for an easy, delicious meal that the whole family will love! Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base:

  • 8 oz egg noodles (or any pasta)
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Creamy Layer:

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

For Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned.
  2. Drain excess grease, then stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Layer

  1. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer as follows:
    • Half of the cooked noodles
    • All of the creamy cheese mixture (spread evenly)
    • Remaining noodles
    • Ground beef mixture
  3. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for extra crunch if desired.

Step 5: Bake & Serve

  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Let sit for 5 minutes, then serve warm!

Notes

  • Budget-Friendly Tips: Use canned mushrooms, frozen veggies, or ground turkey for a cost-saving twist.
  • Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/poor-mans-husband-casserole/