Looking for a hearty, budget-friendly recipe that will bring smiles to the dinner table? Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a comforting, layered dish that combines simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a filling family dinner, this casserole is quick to prepare, satisfying, and surprisingly delicious. It’s a great way to make the most of pantry staples while impressing everyone with its rich flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, then drain any excess grease.
- Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the casserole: Spread half of the cooked noodles evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add half of the ground beef mixture as the next layer, followed by half of the diced tomatoes.
- Spread half of the sour cream mixture over the tomatoes, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, ground beef, diced tomatoes, sour cream mixture, and top with the final 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes to set.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is an easy and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its creamy layers, savory beef, and cheesy topping make it irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning for leftovers, this casserole is a win-win for taste and budget.