Poor Man Husband Casserole

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef: While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess grease.

3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant.

4. Create the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

6. Layer the Casserole:

   • Spread half of the cooked macaroni in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared dish.

   • Spoon half of the beef and tomato mixture over the pasta.

   • Repeat the layers with the remaining macaroni and beef sauce.

7. Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the final layer.

8. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.

9. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, then scoop and serve warm!