M.U.L.E. is the closest thing I can think of, and I don't know that it's had anything even resembling a worthy successor. There were a few attempts, but as far as I know none of them were very well-received.
If you liked M.U.L.E., you will love Settlers of Catan.
But anyone with 8 or more cards has to discard half rounded down.
Take a look at Uwe Rosenberg’s games, particularly Caverna or Agricola.
Patchwork is great two player game, by that same designer, that I can even play with my mother. She's not particularly into games either.
My game of the year so far is Yokohama. If you like worker placement, I imagine you would like this.