Poor Man’s Beef—so creamy, you’d never know it’s a pantry saver!

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or ground turkey) to the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s fully browned and cooked through. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the meat and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet (without cleaning it), add both cans of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup. Pour in the beef broth or water, and stir to combine. The broth helps to thin out the soup mixture to make it creamy but still thick enough to coat the meat and pasta. Add the packet of onion soup mix and stir until everything is well combined. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Add the Sour Cream

Once the sauce has thickened and is bubbly, stir in the sour cream. This will give the sauce an extra creamy, rich texture. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Combine the Beef and Pasta

Add the cooked egg noodles (or your preferred pasta) to the creamy sauce and beef mixture. Stir gently to combine, making sure the pasta is coated evenly with the rich sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up some of the flavor and the sauce to thicken just a little more.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once the mixture is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. You can serve it right from the pan, or spoon it onto plates. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of each serving for a cheesy, golden finish.

Tips for Success:

• Make it a One-Pot Meal: For minimal cleanup, you can prepare everything in one pot, using the same pan to cook the beef, prepare the sauce, and combine the pasta. It saves both time and dishes!
• Substitute Ground Meat: If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat will work great in this recipe. You can also add sausage for extra flavor.
• Add Vegetables: To boost the nutritional value, consider adding frozen peas, carrots, or spinach to the dish. You can mix them in with the pasta for added color and nutrition.
• Cheese It Up: If you have any cheese on hand—cheddar, mozzarella, or even Parmesan—add it to the top for an extra creamy, cheesy finish.

Why You’ll Love Poor Man’s Beef:

This Poor Man’s Beef dish is the definition of comfort food on a budget. The combination of creamy soups, sour cream, and savory ground beef makes for a rich, indulgent meal that will satisfy even the hungriest eaters. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor.

Not only is this dish a money-saver, but it’s also a time-saver. You can get a hearty, creamy meal on the table in less than 30 minutes! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something easy yet comforting.

So, next time you’re craving a creamy, flavorful beef dish that won’t break your budget, give Poor Man’s Beef a try. It’s a pantry-saver that’s so creamy, you’d never know it was made from basic, affordable ingredients. Enjoy this dish as it is or get creative by adding your favorite ingredients for a meal everyone will love!