Poor Man’s Husband Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
To create this delightful dish, you will need:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 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
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the condensed tomato soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Heat over medium heat, stirring until well combined and heated through.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked egg noodles. Top with half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture, and half of the frozen peas. Pour half of the sauce evenly over the layers. Repeat with the remaining noodles, ground beef, peas, and sauce.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter, stirring until the breadcrumbs are coated. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until heated through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. For a more golden and crispy top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This nostalgic casserole can be enjoyed as a complete meal or paired with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Variations: Customize by adding vegetables like carrots or corn, or using different types of cheese for the topping.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Enjoy this delicious and budget-friendly casserole that brings the taste of home to your table!