Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

1. Boil the macaroni: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture

1. Cook the beef: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the tomatoes and sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato sauce.
4. Season: Add the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine the beef mixture and macaroni: In the pot with the drained macaroni, add the beef mixture and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Transfer to the baking dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Cool slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve: Spoon portions of the Poor Man’s Husband Casserole onto plates and enjoy! This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

1. Use lean ground beef: Choose lean ground beef to reduce the amount of fat in the dish.
2. Customize the cheese: Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor.
3. Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
4. Make ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s been chilled.

Conclusion

Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a delicious and budget-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy making and savoring this comforting casserole!