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Save Tons Of Money Making This Poor Man’s Casserole

Filed Under: Casseroles, Dinner

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In the world of hearty and budget-friendly meals, enter the Poor Man’s Casserole—a culinary creation that echoes the flavors of a classic lasagna but with a wallet-friendly twist. This recipe embraces simplicity, utilizing minimal ingredients to bring you a dish that’s not only easy on your pocket but also a delightful treat for your taste buds.

poor man's casserole in a casserole dish on the stove with a wooden spoon

What Do You Need?

This humble yet delicious casserole requires just a handful of pantry staples. Ground beef, egg noodles, and a few essential seasonings come together to create a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to whip up something truly scrumptious.

Crafting The Casserole

  1. Brown the Beef: Begin by browning a pound of ground beef, breaking it into savory, bite-sized pieces. The choice is yours—use a little more or a little less, depending on what you have on hand. I absolutely LOVE using this meat chopper to break up my meat. You can also grab one at Dollar Tree.
  2. Seasoning the Base: Add a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, and a teaspoon of onion powder to the cooked beef. For that touch of sweetness, incorporate two teaspoons of sugar.
  3. Tomato Sauce Magic: Introduce two 8 oz cans of tomato sauce—opt for the budget-friendly variety, proving that culinary magic doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag.
  4. Creamy Bliss: Combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with a cup of sour cream (or Greek yogurt). This creamy mixture adds a layer of richness, making the casserole utterly irresistible.
  5. Noodle Perfection: Cook up a 12 oz package of egg noodles, a wallet-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Any pasta on hand will do the trick, creating a versatile canvas for this delectable dish.
  6. Layering the Love: In a 13 by 9 pan, create layers with half of the egg noodles, followed by dollops of the creamy cheese mixture and the seasoned ground beef. Repeat the process for a harmonious blend of flavors.
  7. Cheese Crown: Crown your creation with about two cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or your cheese of choice). Let it melt to golden perfection in the oven at 350°F for 25 minutes.

Why This Casserole Rocks

The Poor Man’s Casserole isn’t just about affordability; it’s about embracing the art of simplicity. This dish proves that with a few quality ingredients and a dash of creativity, you can whip up a meal that’s not only easy on the budget but also a genuine crowd-pleaser.

poor man's casserole on a plate with salad

As you take that first bite of the Poor Man’s Casserole, savor the simplicity and relish the flavors that come together in perfect harmony. This recipe is a testament to the idea that a delicious, comforting meal doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Let your taste buds revel in the joy of uncomplicated goodness with this budget-friendly masterpiece.

FOR MORE INEXPENSIVE FAMILY RECIPES CHECK OUT THESE VIDEOS:

MORE WEEKNIGHT RECIPES TO TRY:

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poor man's casserole

Poor Man’s Casserole

  • Author: Maria Ronan
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
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Description

Unleash the charm of simplicity with the Poor Man’s Casserole, a delightful twist on the classic lasagna. Utilizing budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef, egg noodles, and a creamy cheese blend, this casserole transforms humble components into a rich and comforting family meal. Embrace the versatility of pantry staples, creating a dish that’s not only easy on the wallet but also a go-to favorite for busy weeknights. Enjoy the addictively delicious layers of flavor, making each bite an irresistible delight.

Ingredients

Scale
 
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 12 ounces egg noodles
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 8 oz cans tomato sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 8 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of choice)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, breaking it into smaller pieces using a meat chopper.

  2. Season the beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, sugar, and add tomato sauce. Leave the grease for added flavor.

  3. Mix softened cream cheese with sour cream until well combined.

  4. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

  5. In a 13 by 9 pan, layer half of the cooked egg noodles, followed by half of the cream cheese mixture, and half of the ground beef mixture.

  6. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients.

  7. Top the casserole with about 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice).

  8. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until melted, bubbly, and delicious.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 25

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