Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a budget-friendly, comforting dish made with simple pantry staples. This hearty casserole layers ground beef, pasta, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Affordable – Uses inexpensive ingredients to create a filling meal.
- Easy to Make – Simple steps with minimal prep time.
- Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleasing dish that kids and adults love.
- Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
- Customizable – Easy to tweak with different meats, sauces, or veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Egg noodles or pasta
- Tomato sauce
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Italian seasoning
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in tomato sauce and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Mix sour cream and cream cheese in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Layer the casserole in a greased baking dish:
- Half of the cooked pasta
- Cream cheese mixture
- Ground beef mixture
- Remaining pasta
- Shredded cheddar cheese on top
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Swap the Meat – Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
- Add Vegetables – Mix in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Use Different Cheese – Try mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a mix of cheeses.
- Low-Carb Option – Replace pasta with cooked cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover it with foil while baking and remove it for the last few minutes to melt the cheese.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Egg noodles, penne, or rotini work well as they hold the sauce nicely.
Can I use ricotta instead of cream cheese?
Yes, ricotta is a good alternative for a lighter texture.
How do I make this dish healthier?
Use lean ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, and reduced-fat cheese.
Can I add beans to the casserole?
Yes, adding black beans or kidney beans can make it even heartier.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, just make sure to wrap it tightly before freezing.
What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement it perfectly.
Can I use homemade tomato sauce?
Absolutely! A homemade sauce adds fresh flavor to the dish.
How do I make the casserole cheesier?
Add an extra layer of cheese between the pasta and beef mixture.
Conclusion
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, it’s a great go-to recipe for busy weeknights. Whether you make it ahead, freeze it for later, or enjoy leftovers, this dish is a family favorite that will always satisfy.
Print
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a budget-friendly, hearty dish made with simple pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese. This comforting, easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and great for leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz egg noodles or pasta
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Brown Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Drain excess grease.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Mix Creamy Layer: In a bowl, combine sour cream and cream cheese until smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a baking dish and layer:
- Half of the cooked pasta
- Cream cheese mixture
- Ground beef mixture
- Remaining pasta
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest & Serve: Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Pasta Choice: Egg noodles, penne, or rotini work best as they hold the sauce well.
- Prevent Drying Out: Cover the casserole with foil while baking and remove it in the last few minutes to melt the cheese.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking.
- Healthier Option: Use lean ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
- Freezing Instructions: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Extra Cheesy: Add an extra layer of shredded cheese between the pasta and beef mixture for a cheesier bite.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
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