Poor Man’s Husband Casserole a budget-friendly, hearty casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese topping that’s perfect for family dinners. This comforting dish brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make and uses affordable pantry staples. The layers of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and cheesy topping come together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also versatile, so I can adapt it based on what I have on hand. Plus, it’s a hit with the whole family, and there are always leftovers to enjoy the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth.
Layer half of the cooked macaroni in the prepared baking dish. Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the pasta. Add the remaining macaroni on top.
Pour the soup and sour cream mixture over the casserole and spread evenly. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or crumbled tofu.
Pasta Swap: Use penne, rotini, or any other short pasta if elbow macaroni isn’t available.
Add Veggies: Include chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms in the beef mixture for added nutrition.
Different Cheeses: Try using Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Parmesan for a unique flavor twist.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I pop a portion into the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or heat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, I prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, I add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! I dice 2-3 fresh tomatoes and use them as a substitute for the canned version.
What’s a good side dish for this casserole?
I love pairing this with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom?
Yes, cream of chicken works well and adds a slightly different flavor to the dish.
How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
I use gluten-free pasta and ensure the soup and seasonings are gluten-free too.
Conclusion
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a delightful, budget-friendly meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, I can whip this up any day of the week. It’s a versatile recipe that adapts well to different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a go-to dish for family dinners or potlucks. Give it a try—I think you’ll love it as much as I do.
📖 Recipe:
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Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a budget-friendly, hearty dinner made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheese topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe is comforting, delicious, and a family favorite!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth.
- Layer half the macaroni in the prepared baking dish. Spread the beef mixture over the pasta, followed by the remaining macaroni.
- Pour the soup mixture over the casserole and spread evenly. Top with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, mix red chili flakes into the beef mixture.
Substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian option.
Include extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
