“Poor Man’s Husband” Casserole

 

To create this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:

Ground beef (or ground turkey): 1 pound
Onion, finely chopped: 1 small
Garlic, minced: 1 clove
Condensed tomato soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces)
Condensed cream of mushroom soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces)
Milk: 1/2 cup
Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon
Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
Salt and black pepper: To taste
Cooked egg noodles: 4 cups (about 2 cups uncooked)
Frozen peas: 1 cup
Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup
Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
Butter, melted: 2 tablespoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
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. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
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. This step enhances the flavor of the casserole.

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 the mixture over medium heat, stirring until it’s well combined and heated through. This sauce is the heart of the casserole, adding richness and depth to the dish.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked egg noodles. Top the noodles with half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture. Add half of the frozen peas. Pour half of the sauce evenly over the layers. Repeat the layers one more time: noodles, ground beef, peas, and sauce. Layering the ingredients ensures each bite is packed with flavor.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are coated with butter. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese. This creates a delicious, crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
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. 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.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve this nostalgic “Poor Man’s Husband” casserole as a complete meal on its own. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables if you’d like to add some extra greens to your meal.

Notes
Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Variations: Feel free to customize the casserole by adding other vegetables like carrots or corn, or using different types of cheese for the topping.

Storage: Store any 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!