Poor Man's Mac Cheese Casserole
Take comfort food to the next level with "Poor Man's Mac & Cheese Casserole," a budget-friendly dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Combining tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and creamy cheddar cheese soup, this hearty casserole is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Layered with shredded cheddar cheese and optional buttery breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy topping, it’s the perfect one-dish dinner for busy weeknights or cozy family meals. Featuring simple pantry staples like canned diced tomatoes and everyday spices, this recipe is a quick, fuss-free solution that delivers on taste and nostalgia. Ready in just 40 minutes and serving up to six, it’s a deliciously affordable crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 14.5 ounces Canned diced tomatoes
- 10.5 ounces Condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Butter, melted (optional for breadcrumbs)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish and set it aside.
Step 2
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Step 4
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (do not drain), salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
Step 5
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar cheese soup and milk until smooth.
Step 6
Combine the cooked macaroni, beef mixture, and cheese soup mixture in the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 7
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out into an even layer.
Step 8
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 9
If using breadcrumbs, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture over the top of the cheese layer.
Step 10
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden on top.
Step 11
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and budget-friendly Poor Man's Mac & Cheese Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1797.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3200.3 |
| Total Fat 177.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 85.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 3.6g | |
| Cholesterol 539.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4131.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 249.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 18.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 36.8g | |
| Protein 157.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 71.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1359.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 20.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2509.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories