Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

 Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 cups cooked pasta (such as elbow or rotini)

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce.

Spread half of the pasta mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Layer the remaining pasta mixture, followed by the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella on top.

Step 4: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this warm, comforting meal!

Tips

Make it vegetarian: Swap the meat for extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

Add some heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days