Hubby’s Pleasure Casserole

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## **Instructions**

### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)** and grease a **9×13-inch baking dish**.

### **Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture**
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the **ground beef** until browned.
2. Add the **onion and garlic**, cooking for **3-4 minutes** until softened. Drain any excess grease.

### **Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce**
1. In a bowl, whisk together the **cream of mushroom soup, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper** until smooth.
2. Stir the mixture into the cooked beef.

### **Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**
1. Add the **cooked egg noodles** to the beef mixture, stirring until fully coated.
2. Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish.
3. Sprinkle **1½ cups of cheddar cheese** evenly over the top.

### **Step 5: Bake to Perfection**
1. Bake uncovered for **20 minutes**.
2. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with **remaining cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and crushed crackers/breadcrumbs**.
3. Return to the oven and bake for another **10 minutes**, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

### **Step 6: Serve & Enjoy**
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with a **side salad or garlic bread** for a complete meal!

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## **Storage & Reheating Tips**
– **Refrigerate:** Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to **4 days**.
– **Freeze:** Assemble the casserole but don’t bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to **3 months**. Bake from frozen at **375°F** for about **50 minutes**.
– **Reheat:** Warm in the oven at **350°F** for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions.

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## **Final Thoughts**
This **Hubby’s Pleasure Casserole** is the **ultimate comfort meal**—hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy! It’s easy to prepare, makes great leftovers, and is sure to be a **family favorite**.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out! 😊🍽