Description
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked pasta dish featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole combines simple pantry staples into a flavorful meal baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetable
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Canned Goods
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
Dairy
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper, then simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup with sour cream until smooth and well mixed.
- Assemble Casserole: Layer half of the cooked macaroni evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the beef and tomato mixture over the macaroni layer, then top with the remaining macaroni.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the soup and sour cream mixture evenly over the assembled casserole. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top for a deliciously cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly and make it easier to portion.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Use gluten-free pasta and soup for a gluten-free version of this casserole.
- Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking helps it firm up and slice more cleanly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
