Man’s Casserole is a hearty, no-fuss dinner straight from a vintage recipe card — the kind of dish built for busy weeknights and hungry families. With tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, and chopped onions bound together in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with condensed cream of celery soup and an egg for richness, this casserole is a true comfort classic. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s easy to make ahead, customize, and reheat. The recipe name likely comes from mid-century homemaking days when this kind of stick-to-your-ribs meal was a “man pleaser,” but today, it’s a hit with anyone who loves simple, satisfying food that feels like home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups noodles (egg noodles recommended)
- 1 tbs butter (for boiling noodles)
- Salt (to taste, for pasta water)
- 1 ½ cups onion (chopped)
- 1 tbs margarine or butter (for sautéing)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 can cream of celery soup
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup diced cheese (cheddar or American suggested)
- 1 egg (large)
Optional
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 cups of noodles. Cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Onions
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon margarine or butter over medium heat. Add 1½ cups chopped onion, 1 pound ground beef, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess grease.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
- In a bowl, combine 1 can cream of celery soup, ¼ cup milk, 1 cup diced cheese, and 1 beaten egg (small or large). Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 325–350°F. In a large bowl, mix the cooked noodles, beef-onion mixture, and cheese-soup mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
Step 5: Bake
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch casserole dish. Cover with lid or foil and bake for 1 hour.
Step 6: Optional Topping
- Before baking, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and crunch.
Tips
- Use cheddar or Colby cheese for a sharper flavor.
- Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup if needed.
- Add vegetables like frozen peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- For extra texture, top with crushed crackers or French-fried onions in the last 10 minutes of baking.
Nutrition
Calories: 439kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 22gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 486mgPotassium: 403mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 449IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg
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