Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

This budget-friendly, hearty, and comforting casserole is packed with ground beef, pasta, a creamy cheese mixture, and tomato sauce. Perfect for an easy, filling meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained)
• 2 cups cooked egg noodles (or any pasta)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture:

   • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
   • Drain excess grease, then add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
   • Stir in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Creamy Mixture:

   • In a bowl, mix together sour cream and cottage cheese.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Layer half of the cooked pasta in the baking dish.
   • Spread the creamy mixture over the pasta.
   • Add half of the ground beef mixture on top.
   • Repeat the layers: pasta, beef mixture, then top with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake:

   • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve:

   • Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this rich, cheesy, and comforting casserole!