Hungry Husband Casserole

Satisfy even the biggest appetites with this hearty and comforting Hungry Husband Casserole! This easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish combines tender pasta, savory seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce layered with gooey cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. With just 20 minutes of prep time, this baked casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The dish offers a beautiful balance of flavors with aromatic garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pop of freshness from optional parsley garnish. Serve it straight from the oven, and watch your loved ones go back for seconds! Perfect for freezer-friendly meal planning or leftovers, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 12 ounces pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
• 15 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking up any large pieces with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and toss until well coated.

Step 7

Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheeses.

Step 8

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1929.8 grams (1929.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3101

Total Fat 193.50g	248%
Saturated Fat 92.90g	465%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 603mg	201%
Sodium 5229mg	227%
Total Carbohydrate 159.40g	58%
Dietary Fiber 16.50g	59%
Total Sugars 25.40g
Protein 188.40g	377%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2656mg	204%
Iron 15mg	86%
Potassium 2356mg	50%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.6%

Protein: 24.1%

Carbs: 20.4%