Here’s a quick and hearty Poor Man’s Hamburger Casserole recipe — simple, budget-friendly, and delicious:
🍲 Poor Man’s Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or any short pasta)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, add oil.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Mix the sauce
- Stir in tomato soup, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine with pasta
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the beef-tomato mixture.
- Assemble casserole
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve
- Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Optional: garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
Tips
- Vegetable boost: Add frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Cheese variation: Mix cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey top.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate; bake when ready.
- Budget tip: Use leftover pasta and frozen veggies to reduce cost further.
If you want, I can also give a one-pot stovetop version that makes this casserole in under 30 minutes without baking.
Do you want me to do that?
