Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

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Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

This budget-friendly casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines flavorful ground beef, creamy pasta, and melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare, filling, and perfect for feeding a family without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (or plain diced tomatoes, if preferred)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 8 oz egg noodles (or any short pasta)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, and the onions are soft (about 8–10 minutes).
  2. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Combine the Sauce:
  1. Add the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and sour cream to the skillet with the beef. Stir until everything is combined and heated through.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta.
  3. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the pasta and spread evenly.
  4. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the beef.
  5. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, beef mixture, and cheese.
5. Bake the Casserole:
  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
  1. Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.

Tips for Success:

  1. Add Vegetables: Boost nutrition by mixing in frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or chopped spinach.
  2. Cheese Variations: Use Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or your favorite cheese blend.
  3. Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy diced tomatoes for a kick.

Storage and Reheating:

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
  • Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this casserole with:

  • A crisp green salad
  • Garlic bread or dinner rolls
  • Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans

This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering big flavors and hearty portions at a small cost! Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, it’s a recipe your family will ask for again and again.

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