Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a hearty, budget-friendly dish made with simple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and a creamy sauce. It’s a comforting, filling meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights or feeding a family on a budget. Here’s how to make it:
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and the beef is fully browned (about 6-8 minutes).
- Drain any excess fat from the beef, if needed.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- To the cooked beef mixture, add the cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup. Stir in the milk to create a creamy sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Mix well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
6. Add Topping (Optional):
- If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over the cheese.
- Dot with small pieces of butter if using bread crumbs for extra crispiness.
7. Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping (if used) is golden brown.
8. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- Add Veggies: You can add frozen vegetables (like peas, corn, or green beans) into the casserole for extra nutrition and color.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from the fridge.
- Variety: Feel free to switch up the soups, using all cream of mushroom or cream of celery for different flavors. You can also substitute the cheese for a different kind like mozzarella or Colby Jack.
This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a great go-to meal that’s inexpensive, easy to make, and totally satisfying for everyone at the table! Enjoy!
