Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

One of the reasons this casserole is so beloved is its straightforward preparation. Even novice cooks can master this recipe with ease. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this comforting dish:

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until it’s thoroughly cooked. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Add Flavor: To the cooked ground beef, add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring to blend well. Then, stir in the sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Simmer with Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Prepare Creamy Layers: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. This creamy mixture will add richness and depth of flavor to the casserole.

Layer the Casserole: Begin assembling the casserole by placing half of the cooked egg noodles in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top the noodles with half of the sour cream and cream cheese mixture, spreading it out evenly. Then, spoon half of the meat mixture over the creamy layer.

Repeat and Top: Repeat the layers with the remaining half of the noodles, sour cream mixture, and meat mixture. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Slice into generous portions and serve hot, savoring each bite of this comforting and budget-friendly meal.