Ah, Poor Man’s Husband Casserole 😄—a fun, old-school comfort food classic! The name is quirky, but the dish is hearty, budget-friendly, and basically everything you want from a baked casserole.
What it is
- A layered or mixed casserole using ground beef or sausage, pasta or potatoes, cheese, and a creamy/tomato sauce.
- Often uses budget-friendly ingredients: canned soup, pasta, or leftover meat.
- Easy to make and feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/pork)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (or diced cooked potatoes)
- 1–1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt, pepper, paprika to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook the meat:
Brown ground beef with onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. - Mix the casserole:
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta (or potatoes), meat mixture, soup, milk, and veggies (if using). Stir until evenly coated. - Assemble & top:
Pour mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top. - Bake:
25–30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted and slightly golden. - Serve:
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Delicious with a simple side salad or bread.
Tips & Variations
- Extra cheesy: Mix 1/2 cup Parmesan into the filling.
- Spicy twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or paprika.
- Potato version: Use thinly sliced potatoes instead of pasta for a heartier meal.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the night before, refrigerate, then bake the next day.
If you want, I can also make a slow-cooker “dump-and-go” version—super easy for busy nights.
Do you want me to do that?
