Poor Man Husband Casserole is a classic and hearty dish that’s been a go-to for budget-conscious families. It’s a flavorful combination of ground beef, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table. In this article, we’ll share the Poor Man Husband Casserole recipe along with a table sheet format listing all the ingredients required.
Ingredients
Below is a table sheet outlining all the ingredients needed to make the Poor Man Husband Casserole:
| INGREDIENTS | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| Elbow Macaroni Pasta | 2 cups |
| Ground Beef | 1 lb |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Tomato Sauce | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Diced Tomatoes (canned) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Dried Oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried Basil | 1 tsp |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup |
| Fresh Parsley (chopped) | For garnish |
Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta
Cook the elbow macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Browning the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or frying pan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. Sautéing the Aromatics
In the same skillet with the cooked ground beef, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent.
4. Preparing the Tomato Sauce
To the sautéed onions and garlic, add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir everything together.
5. Seasoning the Sauce
Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the tomato sauce. Mix the ingredients well, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Assembling the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked macaroni as the base.
7. Layering the Beef and Sauce
Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the pasta layer. Pour half of the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the beef.
8. Repeating the Layers
Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, ground beef, and tomato sauce.
9. Topping with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer, ensuring it covers the casserole evenly.
10. Baking the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the Poor Man Husband Casserole for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnishing the Casserole
Once the casserole is out of the oven, garnish it with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and a pop of color.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Certainly! You can use penne, rigatoni, or any other small pasta shape you prefer.
2. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! You can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition.
3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
4. Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Increase the baking time if baking from chilled.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Certainly! Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before enjoying.
6. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda for unique flavors.
Enjoy the wholesome and budget-friendly Poor Man Husband Casserole, a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. The table sheet format ensures you have all the ingredients at your fingertips for a seamless cooking experience. So, gather your ingredients, layer them up, and savor the delightful flavors of this hearty casserole.
