Husband’s Delight Casserole

When it comes to comfort food, nothing fits the bill quite like a classic retro ground beef and noodle casserole, and that’s exactly what Husband’s Delight Casserole is. It’s simple fare that’s big on comfort but won’t hurt your budget – egg noodles paired with ground beef and tomato sauce, a creamy filling, and a topping of melty cheddar. It’s the type of easy bake that moms everywhere have turned to for decades when they need a simple dinner that delights the whole family (not just the husband), and I can promise you it’s as delicious today as it was a few years back.

This casserole is rather similar to Martha’s Company Casserole, which I grew up on and will love forever. Husband’s Delight differs a bit in that it incorporates onion, skips the cottage cheese, and has a different method of layering, but it has the same cheesy-creamy-beefy-noodle thing going on that’s just so easy to love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Husband’s Delight Casserole is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. It’s creamy, cheesy, and hearty all at once. The combination of ground beef with a rich marinara sauce provides a robust base, while the creamy layers of sour cream and cream cheese add a decadent texture. Topped off with gooey cheddar, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Medium bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Oven

Ingredients

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Season with garlic salt. Drain the fat if needed. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, and chopped onion. Mix well.
5. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the noodles, followed by the meat mixture, then the sour cream mixture, and finally the remaining noodles.
6. Top with grated Cheddar cheese and bake for 25 minutes. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

Be sure to cook the noodles to al dente, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Feel free to use your favorite marinara sauce or even make your own. For a kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.

Additional Tips or Variations

You can add vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition. If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper. For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and cream cheese.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This casserole offers a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and fats. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for those chilly evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Store the leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Husband’s Delight Casserole is a nostalgic dish that brings warmth and joy to any family dinner. Its creamy, cheesy layers are sure to make it a household favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! We’d love to hear your feedback and any variations you experiment with.