With grocery prices soaring, we all need an arsenal of extremely cheap meals that don’t actually taste cheap. If you are looking to feed a hungry family of six for under $10, you have just found your new weekly staple.
This Cheesy Hamburger Pasta Casserole (often called “Poor Man’s Casserole”) is the ultimate budget-friendly comfort food. It uses basic pantry staples, stretches one pound of ground beef to the absolute max, and is smothered in melted cheddar cheese. The best part? It’s completely picky-eater approved. Say goodbye to expensive takeout and hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner!
🛒 The Ingredients (Pantry Staples Only)
You probably already have most of these ingredients sitting in your kitchen right now!
- 1 lb Ground Beef (Grab whatever is on sale! Ground turkey works perfectly too).
- 1 box (16 oz) Macaroni or elbow pasta.
- 1 can (10.75 oz) Condensed Tomato Soup (Or use 1.5 cups of the cheapest marinara sauce you can find).
- 1/2 cup Water or Milk (to thin out the soup/sauce).
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded (divided in half).
- 1/2 Yellow Onion, diced.
- The Seasonings: 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1 tsp Onion Powder, 1/2 tsp Salt, 1/2 tsp Black Pepper.
💡 The “Stretch Your Dollar” Hack
Want to make this meal go even further? Stretch the meat by stirring in a can of drained black beans or a cup of frozen sweet corn. It adds fiber, bulk, and extra flavor for pennies!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and comes together in just about 30 minutes!
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your macaroni just until al dente (usually 1-2 minutes less than the box directions, as it will continue cooking in the oven!). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your ground beef and diced onions. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent (about 6-8 minutes). Crucial Step: Drain the excess grease from the pan so your casserole isn’t oily!
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Return the beef to the stove (turn heat to low). Stir in the tomato soup (or marinara sauce), water/milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 4: The Cheesy Mix
In a large bowl (or right in your baking dish to save dishes!), mix the cooked macaroni, the beefy tomato sauce, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the pasta is completely coated and the cheese starts to melt.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the mixture evenly into your greased 9×13 baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling, gooey, and slightly golden around the edges.
Step 6: Serve!
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair it with a cheap bag of frozen green beans or a simple side salad for a complete, well-rounded meal.
🧊 Freezer & Leftover Tips:
This casserole makes the BEST leftovers! Store portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days (it reheats beautifully in the microwave).
To Freeze: Assemble the casserole completely, but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking!
