Description
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a hearty, comforting baked pasta dish featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning
- 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 the dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep it ready for layering.
- Cook the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper, then let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: In a small bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup with sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread half of the cooked macaroni evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the beef and tomato mixture over the pasta, then top with the remaining macaroni.
- Add the sauce and cheese: Pour the mushroom soup mixture evenly over the assembled casserole. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving to let it set and make it easier to portion.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need to make the dish gluten-free.
- The casserole can be prepared a day ahead; assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
