Poor Man's Casserole
Poor Man's Casserole is a hearty, budget-conscious dish combining seasoned ground beef, creamy egg noodles, and cheese in one assembled pan. It's designed for quick weeknight preparation and family-sized servings.
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Poor Man's Casserole is a hearty, budget-conscious dish combining seasoned ground beef, creamy egg noodles, and cheese in one assembled pan. It's designed for quick weeknight preparation and family-sized servings.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and Creole seasoning to the beef. Stir to combine.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Pour in the Italian sauce. Fill the empty can with water, swirl to get the remaining sauce, and pour the water into the skillet.
Stir in a pinch of sugar, bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook while you prepare the noodles.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, then drain.
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and a dash of Creole seasoning. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked, drained egg noodles to the cream cheese mixture and toss gently to coat completely.
To assemble the casserole, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Top with half of the creamy noodle mixture, spreading it into an even layer.
Sprinkle about one-third of the shredded cheese over the noodles.
Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by the remaining noodle mixture.
Sprinkle with another third of the cheese, then top with all the remaining meat sauce.
Finish by sprinkling the rest of the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave.
9x13 inch baking dish · large skillet
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to bake time if cooking from cold.
Cheddar or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella melts evenly and adds mild flavor. Pre-shredded cheese works fine.
Yes. Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini will work; avoid long noodles that don't layer well.
Use the full amount of sauce and water called for. Cover with foil for the first half of baking if it starts browning too quickly.
This recipe typically yields 6–8 servings, depending on portion size.
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