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–+ servings
Poor Man’s Casserole

Creamy Poor Man’s Casserole for a Cozy Family Dinner

A budget-friendly and comforting dish perfect for family gatherings, featuring layers of ground beef, creamy noodles, and melted cheese in a delightful casserole.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with turkey or plant-based meat
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Can substitute with dried basil and oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used
  • 1 teaspoon Tony’s Seasoning Cajun seasoning can be an alternative
  • 1 cup Minced Onion Fresh chopped onion also works well
  • 1 cup Diced Onion Sweet onion or shallots for a twist
  • 15 ounces Tomato Sauce Crushed tomatoes are a good alternative
  • 1 cup Water Broth can enhance flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Omit for less sweetness or use honey
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Neufchâtel or Greek yogurt can be lighter substitutes
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can be a tangy substitute
  • 8 ounces Wide Egg Noodles Gluten-free noodles are a great alternative
  • 2 cups Colby Jack Cheese Cheddar or mozzarella can be substitutes

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • 9x13-inch Casserole Dish
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook wide egg noodles until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat oil and brown ground beef with minced and diced onion for 5-7 minutes. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Tony’s seasoning.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce, water, and sugar. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Fold in drained noodles.
  6. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Layer with ⅓ meat sauce, half creamy noodles, and half cheese.
  7. Repeat layering with remaining meat sauce, creamy noodle mixture, and top with cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 22gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For even flavor distribution, layer ingredients evenly. Use fresh ingredients for a richer taste, and experiment with different cheeses.

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