🥘 Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

A classic budget-friendly, cheesy beef casserole made with simple pantry ingredients. It’s creamy, hearty, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 8 oz (225 g) egg noodles
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil, if needed

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the noodles:
   Boil the egg noodles according to the package directions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the beef:
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess grease.
3. Make the sauce:
   Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add the creamy layer:
   Remove from the heat and stir in the sour cream.
5. Combine:
   Add the cooked noodles to the beef mixture and gently stir until everything is well coated.
6. Bake:
   Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

   Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted.

7. Rest & serve:
   Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then serve warm.

💡 Easy Variations

• Add green bell pepper or mushrooms with the onion.
• Use mozzarella mixed with cheddar for extra cheese pull.
• Add a little red pepper flakes for heat.
• Ground turkey can replace the beef.
• For an even more economical version, use whatever pasta you have on hand.

Serves: 6
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 25–30 minutes
Total: ~45 minutes

This is one of those “cheap ingredients, big comfort-food flavor” casseroles that’s even better the next day. 😋