INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.
- Combine Soups and Milk: In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir until well combined.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: To the skillet with the cooked beef and onion, add the frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the soup mixture until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Layer and Bake: Spread the cooked egg noodles evenly in the greased baking dish. Pour the beef and vegetable mixture over the noodles, spreading it out to cover evenly.
- Optional Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole for an extra cheesy layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the foil and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Slice into portions and savor the comforting flavors of the Poor Man Husband Casserole.
Customization and Variations
While the basic recipe for Poor Man Husband Casserole is a winner on its own, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences or ingredient availability:
- Cheese Lover's Twist: Stir shredded cheese into the beef and vegetable mixture before layering with noodles for an extra cheesy filling.
- Herb Infusion: Add dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or parsley to enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for plant-based alternatives such as lentils, crumbled tofu, or meatless ground crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly version.
