Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

A hearty, budget-friendly casserole packed with comforting flavors. This dish combines seasoned ground beef, creamy egg noodles, and melted cheese into a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for family dinners.

📋 Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 packet taco seasoning mix
½ cup water (to help blend the seasoning)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Noodle Mixture:

8 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
1 cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Topping:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more, to taste)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
½ cup crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
When the beef is halfway cooked, add the chopped onion and continue cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Stir in the taco seasoning and ½ cup of water. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Noodles

Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
- Cooked egg noodles
- Sour cream
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Stir until the noodles are well coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the noodle mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Layer the seasoned beef mixture over the noodles.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
(Optional) For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs over the cheese.
Lightly dust with smoked paprika for added depth of flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If you like a crispy top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes (watch carefully to avoid burning).

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color.
Serve hot and enjoy!

🕒 Cooking Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

🍽 Serving Suggestions

✔ Classic Style: Serve with a side of buttered corn or roasted vegetables.
✔ Tex-Mex Twist: Add a spoonful of salsa or diced tomatoes on top before baking.
✔ Extra Creamy Version: Mix in 4 oz of softened cream cheese with the sour cream for an even richer dish.
✔ Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef for extra heat.

❄ Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the casserole (before or after baking) for up to 3 months. If freezing before baking, thaw overnight before cooking.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

🔥 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Budget-friendly and uses simple pantry ingredients
✔ Quick and easy to make with minimal prep
✔ Perfect for meal prepping and freezing
✔ Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor

This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a true comfort food classic—creamy noodles, savory beef, and cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Would you add any special toppings or keep it simple and classic? 😊