Poor Man’s Husband Casserole – A Budget-Friendly Comfort Food Classic


 

1. Brown the Meat & Onions

  • In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink.

  • Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft (about 3-4 minutes).

  • Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Add Sauces & Seasonings

  • Stir in cream of mushroom soup, tomato sauce, water/broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  • Let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

3. Mix in the Pasta

  • Add uncooked macaroni and stir well.

  • If using frozen veggies, add them now.

  • Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

4. Bake to Perfection

  • Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.

  • Uncover, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.

5. Optional Crispy Topping

  • For extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over cheese before the final bake.


Serving Suggestions

🍽 Pair with – Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or steamed veggies.
🍽 Leftovers? – Tastes even better the next day! Stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
🍽 Freezer-friendly – Assemble (but don’t bake), freeze, and cook later for an easy meal.


Money-Saving Tips & Variations

💰 Use ground turkey or chicken – Often cheaper than beef.
💰 Swap pasta – Penne, rotini, or egg noodles work too.
💰 Skip the cheese topping – Still delicious without it.
💰 Add beans – Stretch the meal further with canned kidney or pinto beans.

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