Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
This hearty and comforting casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a filling and flavorful meal on a budget. With simple ingredients like ground beef, tomato sauce, and a touch of Italian seasoning, this casserole is not only easy to make but also sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite.
Ingredients:
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1½ pounds ground beef
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2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
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2 teaspoons minced garlic
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the ground beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet. -
Add the seasonings:
Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the tomato sauce, salt, and pepper, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. -
Assemble the casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased casserole dish, layer the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture for a cheesy layer. -
Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted. If you’re not using cheese, you can skip this step and serve immediately after the beef mixture is heated through. -
Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish goes wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
Tips & Notes:
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Add vegetables: You can include chopped onions, bell peppers, or even spinach in the beef mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
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Make it a one-pan meal: To keep things even simpler, you can add cooked pasta directly to the beef mixture before baking for a full meal in one dish.
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Freeze leftovers: This casserole can be frozen for later. Simply let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container and freezing for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Why This Recipe Works:
The Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is the perfect example of how you don’t need expensive ingredients to make a delicious and filling meal. The ground beef is the base, while the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning give it a flavorful kick without breaking the bank. The dish is easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Enjoy your Poor Man’s Husband Casserole, and let me know if you’d like more budget-friendly recipes or tips for family meals!