Description
Hearty Poor Man’s Husband Casserole delivers comfort through layers of ground beef, creamy sauce, and tender noodles. Affordable ingredients combine for a satisfying meal that warms hearts and fills stomachs without breaking the bank.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini), cooked and drained
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 can (10 oz/284 g) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350F (175C) and delicately mist a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
- Meat Foundation: Sauté ground beef and onions in a large skillet until beef is thoroughly browned and onions become translucent. Drain excess fat and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Sauce Integration: Blend tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream into the meat mixture, creating a rich, harmonious sauce that coats the protein completely.
- Layering Strategy: Construct the casserole by spreading half the pasta across the baking dish’s base, followed by an even distribution of the meat mixture and a generous cascade of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cheese Crescendo: Repeat the layering process with remaining pasta and meat, then blanket the surface with a final layer of mozzarella cheese, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Culinary Transformation: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to marry harmoniously.
- Final Flourish: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and achieves a golden, appetizing hue. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Meat Selection Matters: Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a healthier casserole without compromising flavor.
- Pasta Perfection: Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a perfectly textured final dish.
- Cheese Distribution Strategy: Grate cheese freshly for better melting and more even coverage, creating a more appealing and delicious top layer.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lighter versions, and use low-fat cheese and soup for reduced-calorie options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 486
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 878 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg