Keystone State Classic: Satisfy Your Cravings with Pennsylvania's Poor Man's Husband Casserole

Photo byMhbolat Rasha

When it comes to comfort food, Pennsylvania knows how to deliver dishes that warm the soul and fill the stomach. One such beloved recipe is the Poor Man's Husband Casserole. This dish, with its simple ingredients and robust flavors, is a staple in many households across the state. It's a casserole that tells a story of community, love, and the joy of sharing a meal with those who matter most.

A Taste of Pennsylvania in Every Bite

Imagine a casserole that layers soft egg noodles, creamy cheese, and savory beef, all brought together with a rich tomato sauce. This isn't just any casserole; it's a celebration of Pennsylvania's culinary traditions, where every ingredient is chosen for its ability to comfort and satisfy. The Poor Man's Husband Casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it a favorite for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where food is at the center of the conversation.

Recipe: Pennsylvania Style Poor Man's Husband Casserole

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 2 cans (30 ounces) tomato sauce
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces sour cream
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Cook the Pasta: Follow the package directions to cook the egg noodles. Once done, drain and rinse them under cold water.
4. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish light.
5. Add Seasoning and Sauce: To the skillet with the beef, add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Then, sprinkle in the sugar and pour in the tomato sauce, stirring everything together. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, blend together the sour cream and softened cream cheese until smooth.
7. Assemble the Casserole: Start by placing half of the cooked egg noodles in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the sour cream and cream cheese mixture over the noodles, spreading it evenly. Next, layer half of the meat mixture over the cream layer.
8. Repeat Layers: Add another layer of the remaining noodles, then the rest of the sour cream and cream cheese mixture, followed by the remaining meat mixture.
9. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
10. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

A Cozy Dish for Any Occasion

The Poor Man's Husband Casserole is more than just a meal; it's an experience that brings people together. Its layers of flavor and texture make every bite a delight, while its simplicity ensures it's easy to prepare, even on a busy weeknight. Whether you're serving it at a family dinner or a community potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit, reminding everyone why Pennsylvania cuisine is so cherished.

Enjoy a piece of Pennsylvania tradition with this hearty and delicious dish that speaks to the heart of home cooking. Gather around the table, share a meal, and create memories with every serving of this comforting casserole.

You can find various recipes and detailed instructions for making Poor Man's Husband Casserole on several recipe websites. This casserole is known for being an affordable, hearty dish that combines ground beef, egg noodles, tomato sauce, and a creamy mixture of sour cream and cream cheese, topped with melted cheddar cheese.

For a step-by-step guide and some tips on how to customize this casserole with different meats, vegetables, or even make it in a crockpot, check out the recipe from Sweet Pea's Kitchen. They also offer suggestions for making the dish dairy-free or adding more veggies to make it heartier.

Another great source is Recipe Quick and Easy, which provides a straightforward recipe along with variations for using different types of meat like ground turkey or adding vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

For additional tips on preparing and storing the casserole, including making it ahead of time and freezing it, the recipe on Masters of Kitchen offers useful advice, especially if you’re looking for a dish that can be prepped in advance and reheated.

Feel free to explore these sources for more details and to find the version of the recipe that suits your preferences best!