Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

Introduction

Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly meal that combines ground beef, creamy pasta, and hearty vegetables, all topped with melted cheese. It’s an easy-to-make dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a filling and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners. This casserole is known for its rich, cheesy layers and is ideal for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying and affordable.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
• 2 cups cooked macaroni or elbow pasta
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
   • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
3. Prepare the Casserole Base:
   • Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they’re slightly softened. Remove from heat.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cream of mushroom soup, milk, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the beef-vegetable mixture. Stir until well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven, garnish with sliced green onions, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a delightful dish that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a satisfying, delicious meal. Its layers of creamy pasta, savory beef, and melted cheese will quickly make it a favorite at the dinner table. Perfect for leftovers, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to whenever you want a cozy, budget-friendly dinner. Enjoy!