Husband’s Delight Casserole

Husband’s Delight Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 12 oz egg noodles
• 2 cups sour cream
• 3 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese, grated

Equipment Needed:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Medium mixing bowl
• Colander
• Mixing spoon
• Cheese grater (if cheese is not pre-grated)

Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole once assembled.
2. Cook the Noodles:
   Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Avoid overcooking as they will bake further in the oven. Drain the noodles in a colander and set aside.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
   While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with garlic salt and cook until the beef is thoroughly browned. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Add Marinara Sauce:
   Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned beef. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture:
   In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and chopped onion. Mix until well blended and smooth.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
   In your 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles evenly on the bottom. Next, spread the beef and marinara mixture over the noodles. Dollop the sour cream mixture over the beef and carefully spread it out. Finish with the remaining noodles.
7. Add Cheese and Bake:
   Sprinkle the grated Cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of noodles. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serving:
   Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to settle the layers. Serve warm, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors!

Tips:

• For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef and use low-fat sour cream and cream cheese.
• Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef as it cooks for a slight kick.
• If you like a crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

This casserole is perfect for a hearty family dinner and can be paired with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the meal. Enjoy your cooking!