Description

Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a hearty, comforting baked pasta dish combining ground beef, seasoned tomato sauce, creamy mushroom soup, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole layers tender elbow macaroni with a flavorful meat sauce and creamy topping for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces

1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream

Pasta and Cheese

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
Brown Beef and Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper, then simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the condensed cream of mushroom soup with sour cream until smooth and creamy.
Assemble Casserole: Layer half of the cooked macaroni in the greased baking dish. Spoon the beef and tomato mixture evenly over the pasta, then layer the remaining macaroni on top.
Add Cream Mixture and Cheese: Pour the cream of mushroom and sour cream mixture evenly over the assembled layers. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Adding a handful of frozen peas or corn to the beef mixture adds extra veggies and color.
For a spicier twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked fresh before serving.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.