Best 11 Poor Mans Mac Cheese Casserole Recipes

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Introducing a delightful culinary creation, the "Poor Man's Mac and Cheese Casserole," a delectable twist on the classic comfort food. This recipe offers an incredible combination of rich, gooey cheese, hearty pasta, and a secret ingredient that elevates the dish to a whole new level. Perfectly suited for budget-conscious home cooks, this casserole is not only affordable but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you're craving a comforting meal on a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck gathering, this recipe has you covered. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delicious and budget-friendly creation!

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

POOR MAN'S MAC & CHEESE CASSEROLE



Poor Man's Mac & Cheese Casserole image

My husband's Great Grandma made this for him and his sibilings when they came to visit. Only five ingredients, simple and easy to make. Ground beef, corn, cream style corn, peas, and mac & cheese. A real kid pleaser and one of my husband's favorites. I couldn't find anything else like it on the Zaar.

Provided by mrsmeduck

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 30m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 lbs ground beef
2 (14 ounce) cans cream-style corn
1 (14 ounce) can whole corn
1 (15 ounce) can peas
2 (7 1/4 ounce) Kraft macaroni and cheese

Steps:

  • Brown ground beef and set aside and keep warm. Or brown while cooking mac & cheese.
  • Cook macaroni & cheese (I prefer Kraft brand)according to directions on box.
  • Add ground beef, cream style corn, drained whole corn, and drained peas to macaroni and cheese. And you're done!
  • If it's to dry for your taste just add some more milk.
  • Frozen corn and peas can be used if you prefer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 592.8, Fat 20, SaturatedFat 7.8, Cholesterol 84.3, Sodium 779, Carbohydrate 70.7, Fiber 6.5, Sugar 13.1, Protein 35.6

POOR MAN'S CASSEROLE



Poor Man's Casserole image

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/4 cup onion
1/4 cup bell pepper
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 pound lean hamburger meat
1 can mixed vegetable or favorite vegetable
Salt and pepper to taste
2 1/2 cups instant mashed potatoes
1/2 cup Kraft Shredded Colby Jack Cheese

Steps:

  • Cook onion and pepper in oil in skillet till tender and hamburger and brown; drain. Put mixture in round casserole dish.
  • Drain vegetables then add on top of hamburger. Add salt and pepper. Prepare potatoes according to package and spread on top of vegetables. Sprinkle with cheese.
  • Bake in 350 degrees F oven for 30 to 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 0 g, Fat 0 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 0 g, Sodium 0 g, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 0 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 0 g

POOR MAN'S CASSEROLE



Poor Man's Casserole image

This is a recipe that my mom made when we were growing up! It really is one of my families favorite quick meals! It is called Poor Man's Casserole because almost everyone should have the ingredients in their kitchen! This is a very versatile dish because you can add as little or as much of the ingredients to suit your family.

Provided by Alys Mommy

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 35m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb hamburger meat
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove
salt and pepper, to taste
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups cooked rice
1 (4 ounce) can corn
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Brown the hamburger meat with the onion, garlic, salt and pepper.
  • Drain the fat.
  • Then add the rice, corn, and tomato sauce and mix together.
  • Top with the cheese.
  • If you have a cast-iron pan put the casserole in the oven for about 5 minutes to melt the cheese. If you do not have a cast-iron pan, just cover the casserole until the cheese melts.

POOR MANS CAKE III



Poor Mans Cake III image

This recipe if from the l930's. My Grandmother gave it to my Mother and she gave it to me. Now I am a grandmother and passed it down to my kids. It's really good. You don't have to dirty your mixer for this one, just a big bowl.

Provided by Jill D

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Fruitcake Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups raisins
2 cups water
¾ cup shortening
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
3 cups all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
  • In a saucepan mix brown sugar, raisins, water and shortening. Bring to a boil and boil 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. When raisin mixture is cool, add to dry ingredients and mix well to combine.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 or 40 minutes. Do not over bake or it will be too dry. Test after 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of cake should come out clean.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 186.4 calories, Carbohydrate 30.9 g, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 206.3 mg, Sugar 16.1 g

POOR MANS MACARONI N CHEESE



Poor Mans Macaroni N Cheese image

I have always loved Mac N Cheese and when we didnt have the money to buy some from the store I had to create something on my own.

Provided by Luvly Romy

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 15m

Yield 1-2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 2

1 1/2 cups egg noodles
4 slices American cheese

Steps:

  • Cook the Egg Noodles in a sauce pan.
  • and drain until there is about 2 tablespoons of water left in pan.
  • Take the cooked noodles+water and transter them into a bowl, place the slices of American Cheese on the cooked noodles till all of the noodles are covered.
  • Place in microwave for 2-3 minutes.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 500.4, Fat 23.3, SaturatedFat 13.7, Cholesterol 102.3, Sodium 833.5, Carbohydrate 47.7, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 1.1, Protein 24.8

POOR MAN HUSBAND CASSEROLE RECIPE - (3.8/5)



Poor Man Husband Casserole Recipe - (3.8/5) image

Provided by Susan52

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound ground beef
garlic to taste
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cans (8-ounces) tomato sauce
8 ounces egg noodles
8 ounces sour cream
8 ounces cream cheese
1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook and drain ground beef. Mix beef with garlic, salt, sugar and tomato sauce. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Cook and drain egg noodles. Mix sour cream and cream cheese together in a small bowl. Layer, in order twice - noodles, sour cream mixture, meat. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

MY GRANDMA'S POOR MANS CASSEROLE



My Grandma's Poor Mans Casserole image

This casserole is amazing and I have never had anyone say different! Once you try it, I'm sure it will become a go to dish for you and your family too! GREAT for kids! (just don't tell them there is mushroom soup!)

Provided by sweetina

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 1 casserole dish, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

3 cups white rice
2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
1 lb ground beef
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Start off with cooking the white rice.
  • As the rice is cooking start cooking your beef, I like to season it with pepper and mesquite seasonings, but you can also use garlic salt or any other seasonings you prefer.
  • Once the meat and rice is done cooking mix together the meat, rice, and soup.
  • Top it with the shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Bake in the oven on 375 for about 30 minutes or until the cheddar is bubbly and starting to brown,.
  • * Sometimes I like to mix corn into it to give it a little more nutrition/flavor.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 589.1, Fat 17.7, SaturatedFat 5.9, Cholesterol 51.4, Sodium 752.9, Carbohydrate 82.2, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 1.4, Protein 21.9

POOR MAN'S TUNA CASSEROLE



Poor Man's Tuna Casserole image

A friend and I made this up in college -- as we did not have much money, nor a proper kitchen. Over the years, I have tweaked it a bit -- now that I DO have a proper kitchen!

Provided by iewe7726

Categories     Tuna

Time 25m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (7 1/4 ounce) box Kraft macaroni and cheese
1 (6 ounce) can tuna
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup French-fried onions

Steps:

  • Cook Macaroni and Cheese according to box directions.
  • Stir in tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and frozen peas.
  • Transfer mixture to baking dish and top with shredded cheese and french fried onions.
  • Bake at 375 degrees until cheese is melted, and dish is heated through (approximately 15 minutes).
  • Enjoy!
  • If you are low on time, or don't want to heat up the oven, you can omit the cheese and french friend onions, and simply warm through on the stovetop.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 305.1, Fat 12, SaturatedFat 5.7, Cholesterol 35.3, Sodium 757.5, Carbohydrate 30.2, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 5.6, Protein 18.9

POOR MAN'S DINNER



Poor Man's Dinner image

Don't let the name fool you-this dish guarantees "million-dollar taste" with just a few ingredients!-Mila Abner, Vada, Kentucky

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h35m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound ground beef
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
5 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 large onion, sliced
2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1/2 cup 2% milk
Minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Season with pepper and garlic powder. Layer the beef, potatoes and onion slices in a shallow 2-qt. baking dish. Combine soup and milk; pour over all. , Cover and bake at 350° for 1-1/4 hours or until potatoes are tender. Garnish with parsley.,

Nutrition Facts : Calories 272 calories, Fat 9g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 39mg cholesterol, Sodium 410mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 17g protein.

POOR MAN'S SHEPHERD'S PIE



Poor Man's Shepherd's Pie image

An easy dish that's full of flavor! I always serve this with canned corn and a crisp salad.

Provided by JennyB

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Savory Pie Recipes     Shepherd's Pie Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

½ cup uncooked brown rice
1 ⅜ cups water
1 pound ground beef
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup chopped green onion
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon soy sauce
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, bring water and brown rice to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45 to 50 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium skillet over high heat, brown the ground beef and drain fat.
  • Stir the mushroom soup, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and pepper into the skillet with the beef. Simmer on medium low heat for 10 minutes. Serve over the rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 341.1 calories, Carbohydrate 21.1 g, Cholesterol 69 mg, Fat 18.3 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 21.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 676.3 mg, Sugar 1.9 g

POOR MAN'S PIE



Poor Man's Pie image

This is an awesome recipe that I got from my coworker. It can be modified in many ways, including for the slow cooker. It's a simple meal of things you often already have on hand that really sticks to the bones, and it can also be a fun way to use up some leftovers.

Provided by KatieDarling

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Savory Pie Recipes     Shepherd's Pie Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound ground beef
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
1 pinch onion powder, or to taste
1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
2 (15 ounce) cans green beans, drained
5 cups mashed potatoes
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Cook and stir ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly, about 10 minutes; season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drain excess grease. Stir cream of mushroom soup and green beans into ground beef and bring to a simmer.
  • Spread ground beef mixture into a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over ground beef mixture. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 371.6 calories, Carbohydrate 29 g, Cholesterol 66.7 mg, Fat 19.1 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 20.5 g, SaturatedFat 9.4 g, Sodium 1041.5 mg, Sugar 3.3 g

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheese blend. A combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan is a classic choice, but you can experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Add a little bit of mustard powder to the cheese sauce. This will give it a tangy flavor that complements the cheese.
  • Top the casserole with a breadcrumb topping before baking. This will give it a crispy texture and help to brown the cheese.
  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set.

Conclusion:

Poor man's mac and cheese casserole is a delicious and budget-friendly dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover macaroni. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

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