“Poor Man’s Husband” Casserole: A Budget-Friendly Comfort Classic

Delight in This Nostalgic Casserole Packed with Flavor and Affordability

“Poor Man’s Husband” casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly classic that has been satisfying families for generations. This hearty dish combines simple, inexpensive ingredients to create a flavorful, filling meal that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish that will evoke fond memories of home-cooked comfort food, “Poor Man’s Husband” casserole is the perfect choice.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or a meat substitute)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed tomato soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 cups cooked egg noodles (about 2 cups uncooked)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

1. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked ground beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

4. Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the condensed tomato soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until it’s well combined and heated through.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

1. In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked egg noodles.
2. Top the noodles with half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture.
3. Add half of the frozen peas.
4. Pour half of the sauce evenly over the layers.
5. Repeat the layers one more time: noodles, ground beef, peas, and sauce.

6. Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs:

1. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
2. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are coated with butter.
3. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese.

7. Bake to Perfection:

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until it’s heated through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
2. If you’d like a more golden and crispy top, you can broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes, but be sure to keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Serve this nostalgic “Poor Man’s Husband” casserole as a complete meal on its own.

Tips:

• Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite vegetables, such as corn, green beans, or carrots.
• For an extra kick of flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Variations:

• Consider using different types of cheese, like mozzarella or Swiss, to change up the flavor profile.
• If you’re looking to add more greens, you can incorporate spinach or kale into the casserole.

Cook’s Note:

“Poor Man’s Husband” casserole is a heartwarming dish that proves that simple ingredients can create a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. This timeless classic will leave you feeling content and nostalgic with every bite. Enjoy!