Name: Before Payday Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup milk; 1 can (14.5 oz) green beans, drained; 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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When your pantry’s getting sparse and payday feels just out of reach, there’s nothing like Before Payday Casserole to bring comfort to the table. This delightfully creamy, flavorful beef and pasta bake comes together with simple, affordable staples and delivers pure satisfaction in every cheesy forkful. Humble yet absolutely delicious, Before Payday Casserole is proof that a few classic ingredients—layered and baked just right—can turn even the most ordinary night into something memorable.

Before Payday Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t worry about complicated shopping lists here—each ingredient in Before Payday Casserole is a weeknight hero, combining to create layers of savory flavor, creamy texture, and that golden, cheesy topping everyone loves. Here’s what you’ll need and why each matters:

Ground beef: Adds hearty, savory depth and brings the casserole to life with protein.
Onion (finely chopped): Delivers subtle sweetness and a gentle bite throughout the dish.
Garlic (minced): Kicks up the flavor with an aromatic note that’s simply irresistible.
Cream of mushroom soup: Creates a luscious base, binding all the components in creamy goodness.
Sour cream: Adds tang and a bit of richness to balance the other flavors.
Milk: Loosens the sauce just enough for perfect, saucy coverage of noodles and veggies.
Green beans (canned or fresh): Bring welcome freshness, vibrant color, and a little crunch—plus a pop of green that makes it feel complete.
Cooked elbow macaroni: Classic comfort food! This pasta is ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce without getting mushy.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The golden, bubbly crown that makes every bite extra special.
Salt and black pepper: Just a touch of these basics sharpens all the other flavors beautifully.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it helps soften your aromatics and builds flavor from the very first step.

How to Make Before Payday Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

To build a deliciously aromatic base for your Before Payday Casserole, start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté for about two to three minutes. The kitchen will start smelling amazing as the veggies soften and turn translucent. Don’t rush this part—it’s all about layering those flavors from the ground up.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Next, add the ground beef right into the skillet. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks, letting it brown beautifully. This step not only adds a big punch of flavor, but it also creates that perfect crumbly texture you want in every classic casserole. Once the beef is cooked through and any excess fat is drained off, you’re ready for the creamy ingredients.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

With the heat on low, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Use your spoon to combine everything into a smooth, luscious sauce that will coat every noodle and veggie later. Don’t forget to add the salt and pepper here—giving the sauce its balanced seasoning. If you like a little heat, now’s a great time to toss in some red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Fold in the Veggies and Pasta

Add the drained green beans and cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet. Gently fold everything together until the pasta and veggies are completely coated with that dreamy, creamy sauce. You’ll see the colors and textures come together, promising a meal that’s both cozy and satisfying.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Now for the fun part! Transfer your casserole mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it out evenly to every corner. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese as generously as you like over the top—it will melt into a gooey, golden topping. Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the cheese turns irresistible and slightly crisp. Don’t forget to let it rest for 5 minutes before serving; this makes cutting and serving easier (and helps avoid burnt tongues!).

How to Serve Before Payday Casserole

Garnishes

Add a little fresh parsley or a sprinkle of sliced green onions on top right before serving for a burst of color and an extra layer of flavor. If you love just a bit of crunch, a handful of crispy fried onions will do wonders atop Before Payday Casserole as well.

Side Dishes

This classic casserole is a meal in itself, but it really shines with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette or a loaf of warm, crusty bread. Both balance out the richness and help soak up every bit of that tasty sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Sometimes you want to make things special—try baking Before Payday Casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings, or scoop them into hollowed-out bell peppers before baking. Your friends and family will love these little twists, and it turns a weeknight dinner into an occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Before Payday Casserole keeps beautifully! Simply transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors tend to blend and deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better than dinner.

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer champ. Assemble it up until the baking step, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. You can also freeze fully baked portions—just make sure to cool them to room temperature first and wrap them up snugly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat single servings of Before Payday Casserole in the microwave, covered, until piping hot—usually 2-3 minutes does the trick. For larger amounts, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through. If you notice the casserole is a little dry, splash in a tablespoon or two of milk before reheating.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef in Before Payday Casserole?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter version that still delivers the cozy, satisfying flavors you crave. Just make sure to season it well, as turkey is milder than beef.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

If you prefer not to use canned soup, a homemade white sauce (béchamel) with sautéed mushrooms works perfectly. This gives you a wonderful homemade touch while keeping things creamy and rich.

How can I make Before Payday Casserole vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, lentils, or chopped mushrooms for heartiness. Use vegetarian soup and follow the recipe as written for a satisfying meatless casserole.

Will other cheeses work in this casserole?

Definitely! While cheddar is classic, try using Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a deeper, more complex flavor. Mixing cheeses can make the topping extra gooey and delicious.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Don’t hesitate to use whatever’s on hand—corn, peas, carrots, or spinach can all find a happy home in Before Payday Casserole. It’s a flexible dish meant to help you use up pantry and fridge odds and ends.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about pulling Before Payday Casserole from the oven and seeing the cheesy, bubbly top. It’s a true reminder that great meals don’t have to be fancy or expensive to be loved. Give it a try the next time you need a simple, hearty dish—your table (and your wallet) will thank you!

Before Payday Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Before Payday Casserole is a budget-friendly and delicious meal that makes the most of pantry staples. With ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and tender macaroni, this easy casserole is a comforting dinner option for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce:

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk

Add-Ins:

1 can (14.5 oz) green beans, drained
2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings:

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
Cook ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Combine ingredients: Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Add remaining ingredients: Fold in green beans and cooked macaroni, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.