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The Poor Man Husband Casserole

The Poor Man Husband Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making a hearty meal with simple ingredients. This casserole layers ground beef, pasta, and creamy cheese sauce to create a satisfying and delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, and with ingredients you likely already have on hand, it’s a great option for a quick and comforting dinner.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450g ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 8 oz 225g egg noodles or pasta of choice
  • 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the egg noodles or pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and set aside.
  • Cook the Ground Beef:
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 7-10 minutes.
  • Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  • Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
  • Prepare the Sauce:
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  • Add the drained diced tomatoes to the beef mixture in the skillet and stir to combine.
  • Assemble the Casserole:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer the cooked pasta evenly across the bottom.
  • Pour the beef and tomato mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly.
  • Pour the creamy sauce over the beef mixture, spreading it to cover the entire dish.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
  • Bake:
  • Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • If you like a golden, crispy top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, but watch it closely to avoid burning.

Notes

Garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve hot, directly from the baking dish.