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Poor Man Husband Casserole

Poor Man Husband Casserole Recipe

Eman Brooks
A creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole featuring ground beef cooked with tomato sauce, sour cream, and cream cheese for a rich, comforting dish. Layered with tender egg noodles and topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese plus a crunchy cracker topping, it’s perfect for an easy family meal that feels indulgent but is budget-friendly.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces egg noodles cooked al dente
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cans 30 ounces total tomato sauce
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup crushed buttery crackers like Ritz
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cook egg noodles according to package directions until just al dente; drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, brown ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until beef is cooked through and onions are soft; drain excess fat.
  • Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute.
  • Add tomato sauce, sugar, sour cream, and cream cheese; stir until creamy and combined. Simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes.
  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the noodles on the bottom.
  • Spread half the creamy beef mixture over noodles. Repeat layers with remaining noodles and beef mixture.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  • Toss crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over cheese.
  • Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  • Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar for extra flavor or mild cheddar to soften the taste.
  • Substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner version.
  • Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if baking from cold.
  • Optional: add chopped green bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added veggies.

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