Poor Man’s Husband Casserole – Comfort Food at Its Best

Poor Man’s Husband Casserole – Comfort Food at Its Best!

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Ingredients:

• Meat Sauce:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Noodle Mixture:
  • 2 cups egg noodles, cooked
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
• Topping:
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Construction:

1. Cook the Beef Mixture:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned and softened.
   • Drain excess grease and stir in garlic powder, salt, black pepper, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
   • Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
2. Prepare the Noodle Mixture:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine cooked egg noodles with sour cream and cottage cheese. Stir until evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Layer half the noodle mixture at the bottom of the dish.
   • Spread half of the beef mixture on top.
   • Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Bake:
   • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
   • Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with garlic bread or a fresh salad!

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Variations:

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
• Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a cheese blend.
• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

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Tips:

• Cook Noodles Al Dente: They will continue cooking in the oven, so don’t overcook them beforehand.
• Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking for easier slicing.
• Make Ahead: Assemble it a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, cheesy, and easy on the budget!