Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a hearty and budget-friendly dish that combines ground beef, creamy sour cream, and melted cheese, all layered over tender pasta. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners, offering a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Affordable Ingredients: Utilizes simple, cost-effective components that are easy to find.
- Easy to Prepare: Straightforward steps make it suitable for cooks of all levels.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults.
- Make-Ahead Option: Can be assembled in advance and baked when needed.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different meats or added vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Noodles: Boil egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese. Mix well.
- Assemble Casserole:
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add the remaining noodles on top.
- Pour the meat sauce over the noodles, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6–8 servings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Pasta Choices: Use different types of pasta like penne, rotini, or whole wheat varieties.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 20–30 minutes.
FAQs
What is Poor Man’s Husband Casserole?
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a budget-friendly, layered dish featuring ground meat, noodles, a creamy cheese mixture, and tomato-based sauce, all topped with melted cheese.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking. If baking from cold, you may need to add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground meat with plant-based crumbles or additional vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or lentils.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use your preferred cheeses or whatever you have on hand. Mozzarella, provolone, or a Mexican blend would work well.
How can I add more flavor to the dish?
Consider adding herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to the meat sauce. A dash of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle heat.
What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables make excellent accompaniments.
Print
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a budget-friendly, hearty dish made with ground beef, egg noodles, a creamy cheese mixture, and a flavorful tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheddar. Perfect for family dinners, this easy-to-make casserole is comforting, filling, and versatile.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Noodles: Boil egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix sour cream and cottage cheese.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Layer half of the cooked noodles in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add the remaining noodles.
- Pour the meat sauce over the top and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Protein Substitutes: Swap ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
- Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Cheese Variations: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate overnight before baking.
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