Lean Hamburger Noodle Casserole

Casseroles were always an easy go-to for my family growing up.  Even if I am just making one for Scott and I, I am a sucker for leftovers and casseroles seem to provide plenty to go around.

Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup is something I always like to have on hand and goes great in casseroles.  I also like to throw in vegetables whenever I can, and plan to hide them here for even our future picky eater children to enjoy.

Here is my little version of a lean mushroom hamburger helper casserole.  I decided to add cheese at the last minute, only because I knew Scott would miss it.  Cheese is practically his favorite food.  Using the cream of mushroom as a base, I could have easily done without and made it extra lean.

The choice is yours!

Ingredients

1.5 lbs lean ground beef

2 10.75 oz cans Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 cup low-fat milk (I used skim)

3/4 bag Large Egg Noodles

1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

1 cup green beans

1 cup sliced mushrooms

prep time: 10 minutes

cook time: 30 minutes

servings: 8-10

Directions

1. Brown hamburger meat and drain.

2. Boil noodles by following instructions on bag.

3. Prep vegetables.  Set all aside.

4. Add cream of mushroom soup and milk to pan, then mix together.  Stir in vegetables.

5. Allow vegetables to soften, then add beef and noodles.  Mix well.

6. Simmer for about 10 minutes.  If you want to add cheese, mix half of the amount in here (1/2 cup).

7. Add the remaining cheese to top and cover over low heat until cheese is melted.

Breakdown

Brown hamburger meat in a saucepan, then drain and set aside.

Boil noodles by following instructions on bag.  Set aside.

Wash and prep vegetables.  Set aside.

Add cream of mushroom soup and milk to pan, then mix together.

Stir in vegetables.

Allow vegetables to soften, then add beef and noodles.  Mix well.

Simmer for about 10 minutes.

If you want to add cheese, mix half of the amount in here.

Add the remaining cheese to top and cover over low heat until cheese is melted.

At first, I did not use cheese.  I went back and added it only to taste the difference.

(I could eat it either way.)

Serve and enjoy!