When I was young, my family loved to eat together. My mom made a special casserole called Poor Man’s Husband. It had ground beef, egg noodles, and cheese on top.
This casserole was a hit at our table. It was easy to make and didn’t cost much. Everyone loved it and it made us all happy.
This casserole is more than just food. It brings families together. Now, with prices going up, it’s a great way to enjoy tasty meals without spending a lot. Let’s explore how to make this beloved dish.
What is Poor Man’s Husband Casserole?
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a tasty and cozy dish. It’s great for those looking for cheap meals. It uses simple things like ground beef, egg noodles, and cheese.
This casserole has 1 pound of lean ground beef. It’s a good choice for families saving money. It also has 6 ounces of egg noodles and 2 cups of tomato sauce.
It’s easy to make, needing just 1 minute in the Instant Pot. Then, it needs 5 minutes to cool down. This makes it perfect for busy nights.
This meal costs between $10 to $15. Each serving has about 500 calories and 30 grams of protein. It shows you can eat well without spending a lot.
This casserole can be changed to fit your taste. Families can pick what they like. It’s a favorite for many because it’s tasty and can be made your way.
Why Choose Budget-Friendly Recipes?
Today, many of us need to save money on food. Choosing budget-friendly meals helps us do that. It also lets us make tasty dishes without spending too much. A great example is the Poor Man’s Husband Casserole.
Looking for cheap meals can make cooking fun. Simple recipes let us get creative with what we have. For example, a tuna melt is cheap but can be made in many ways.
Using cheap ingredients like canned chicken or frozen ravioli helps save money. A week of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches costs just $5. Meals with hot dogs and macaroni and cheese are also very affordable.
Here’s a table showing some cheap meals and how much they cost:
| Meal | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ramen Noodles | $0.25 | Quick and easy option |
| Hot Dogs | Under $2 (for 8) | Pair with chips or macaroni |
| Tuna Melt | Low cost | Customizable with kitchen items |
| English Muffin Pizzas | Affordable ingredients | Quick meal idea |
| Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches | About $5/week | Good for lunchboxes |
| Rotisserie Chicken | Less than $5 | Can provide multiple meals |
Trying out these cheap recipes makes cooking fun and saves money. It helps us eat well without spending a lot.
Ingredients Needed for Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
To make a tasty poor man’s husband casserole, start by getting the right stuff. This dish is not only yummy but also fits well with budget-friendly meal ideas. Here, I’ll list the main ingredients you’ll need, plus some extras for a personal touch.
Core Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef
- 8 ounces of cooked egg noodles
- 30 ounces of tomato sauce (2 cans of 15 ounces each)
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces of sour cream
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced (2 teaspoons)
- 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients for Customization
Want to make the poor man’s husband casserole your own? Try these extras:
- Ground turkey or chicken as an alternative protein
- Canned beans for a vegetarian option
- Various vegetables, like peas or carrots, to enhance nutrition and flavor
Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare the Casserole
Making the Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is fun. It’s easy and won’t break the bank. Follow this guide to make it simple.
Preheating the Oven and Cooking the Beef
First, heat your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, cook the beef. Use a big skillet and add 1 ½ to 2 pounds of lean ground beef or turkey. Add ½ cup of diced yellow onion too.
Cook until the meat is browned, about 4 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir in 1 cup of frozen corn kernels and mix well.
Making the Creamy Mixture
Now, make the creamy part. Mix 1 cup of cottage cheese or ricotta with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add 1 ½ cups of salsa and stir until smooth.
Layering the Ingredients
To build the casserole, start with the meat mixture at the bottom. Then, add the creamy mixture. Sprinkle 4 cups of dry mini lasagna noodles over it.
Keep layering until you use all the ingredients. Finish with 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Layering is important for flavor. Your hard work will make a dish for six. Remember, portion control helps save money.
Cooking and Baking the Casserole
Now it’s time to cook the Poor Man’s Husband Casserole. Make sure your oven is at the right temperature. This is key for the flavors to mix well and the cheese to melt perfectly.
Setting the Right Temperature
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for even cooking. It makes the ingredients soft and the cheese golden and bubbly.
Timing for Perfectly Baked Cheese
Put your casserole in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Bake for 30 minutes, then add the cheese. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden.
Servings and Storage Tips
Knowing how to serve and store the Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is key. It makes a big batch, perfect for many meals. One recipe feeds about 8 people, great for saving money or feeding a family.
How Many Does It Serve?
This casserole is big, giving about 8 servings. Each serving is full of good stuff like protein and carbs. Plus, leftovers make for easy meals later in the week.
Storage Instructions for Leftovers
Keep leftovers in airtight containers to stay fresh. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days. Freeze it for up to 3 months before baking.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Use foil to keep it moist. This way, it stays yummy without drying out.
Follow these tips to enjoy the casserole’s taste for a long time. It’s a smart choice for saving money on meals.
How to Customize Your Casserole
Customizing Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is fun. It lets you make the dish your own. This easy casserole is great for saving money while eating well.
Want to try new proteins or add more veggies? You can do it all without spending a lot.
Different Meat Alternatives
Try different meats for a change. Ground turkey is a healthier choice that tastes great. Black beans make it meatless but filling.
Using sausage or shredded chicken adds new flavors. This way, every casserole can be unique.
Incorporating Vegetables
Adding veggies makes the dish better. Mushrooms, peas, and carrots add color and taste. They make the casserole more interesting.
Spinach or zucchini are great too. They mix well with the creamy parts. This makes the casserole perfect for any meal.
| Meat Alternatives | Vegetable Additions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Turkey | Mushrooms | Lowers fat content |
| Black Beans | Peas | Vegetarian-friendly |
| Shredded Chicken | Carrots | Increases fiber |
| Sausage | Spinach | Adds depth of flavor |
| Ground Beef | Zucchini | Creamy texture contrast |
Freezing and Meal Prepping Tips
Preparing meals ahead of time saves time and money. The Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is perfect for meal prep. It’s hearty, affordable, and great for busy days.
How to Freeze Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
To keep the casserole tasty when frozen, follow these steps:
- Let the casserole cool completely after baking.
- Portion it into individual servings in airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Squeeze out air from freezer bags for better preservation.
- Label the containers with the date and meal type.
- Freeze for up to three months for the best taste.
Thawing is easy. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it well by adjusting cooking time if frozen.
Meal Prep for Busy Weekdays
This casserole is a big help on busy days. Preparing individual portions makes meals easy. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days.
Adding proteins like ground turkey or chicken makes meals customizable. Each portion is nutritious and budget-friendly. Meal prep reduces waste and makes cooking simple.
When I want affordable comfort food, I turn to my frozen Poor Man’s Husband Casserole. It’s a winner for my taste buds and wallet.
Pairing Ideas for Your Casserole
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a comforting dish. But, adding the right sides and drinks makes it even better. I enjoy finding cheap meal ideas that go well with the casserole. This makes dinner time fun and satisfying.
Recommended Side Dishes
- Fresh garden salad with tangy vinaigrette adds a nice crunch.
- Garlic bread, toasted, is great for the casserole’s sauce.
- Roasted veggies like zucchini and carrots add color and health.
- Steamed green beans or broccoli bring vibrant color and light texture.
- Mashed potatoes are creamy and add extra comfort.
Perfect Beverage Pairings
- A light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, enhances flavors nicely.
- Refreshing iced tea with lemon is a great contrast to the casserole.
- Sparkling water with citrus is bubbly and cleansing.
- A crisp hard cider can be a fun twist for dinner.
Nutrition Information for Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
Understanding the nutrition of Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is key. It has about 536 calories per serving. This makes it a great choice for a filling dinner.
It has about 33 grams of protein. This is perfect for a meal after a long day. The ground beef and cheddar cheese add lots of flavor.
Caloric Breakdown
This dish has a good mix of macronutrients. It has 15 grams of carbohydrates from egg noodles. This gives us energy.
It also has 38 grams of total fat. This includes 19 grams of saturated fat. The cholesterol is around 152 mg. It’s a hearty and tasty meal for family dinners.
Nutritional Benefits of Key Ingredients
Key ingredients add flavor and nutrients. Ground beef is full of protein. Cheese gives us calcium for strong bones.
Egg noodles provide carbs for energy. Each part makes a balanced meal. It’s both nutritious and affordable.
