Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
A budget-friendly, hearty casserole made with savory ground beef, tender pasta, mixed vegetables, and a creamy tomato sauce, all topped with plenty of melted cheese and baked until golden, bubbly, and irresistibly comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles or pasta
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup mixed vegetables, thawed
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the flavor: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds.
- Make the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the tomato sauce and cream of mushroom soup until smooth and well combined. Add the mixed vegetables and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently stir until everything is evenly coated with the creamy beef sauce.
- Assemble: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the cheese is completely melted and lightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add mushrooms, corn, peas, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- For an extra-creamy casserole, stir in 1/2 cup sour cream before baking.
- Sharp cheddar gives the dish a stronger, cheesier flavor.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for an easy next-day meal.