Let me just take a moment to say, I’m beyond excited to share this recipe with you today! There’s something magical about a dish that’s not only hearty and filling but also made with simple ingredients that you likely already have at home. I love this casserole because it hits all the marks: it’s easy, affordable, and absolutely delicious. This Poor Man Husband Casserole is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for something comforting, this dish will not disappoint.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 cans (30 ounces) tomato sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
How to Make Poor Man Husband Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and turns out beautifully golden and bubbly.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil the egg noodles according to the package directions. Once done, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop them from cooking further. Set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all those savory flavors.
Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer
Pour in the tomato sauce, and stir in the sugar. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together into a rich, hearty sauce.
Step 5: Mix the Creamy Layer
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. This is the magic layer that adds so much creaminess to the dish!
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the cooked egg noodles evenly on the bottom of the dish. Layer half of the cream cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the meat mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, cream cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
Step 7: Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. The smell is going to be irresistible!
Details And Nutritional Information
Details:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition (per serving):
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 859 kcal
- Total Fat: 61g
- Saturated Fat: 29g
- Cholesterol: 228mg
- Sodium: 849mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 52g
Helpful Tips
- Pre-shredded cheese: While it’s convenient, freshly shredded cheddar from a block melts better and tastes fresher. Try it if you can!
- Drain the grease: This helps prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy, so don’t skip this step after cooking the ground beef.
- Cook the noodles al dente: This prevents them from becoming too soft after baking. They’ll continue to cook slightly in the oven.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is flexible, making it a great base for experimenting! Here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Swap the meat: Don’t have ground beef on hand? Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work great.
- Different pasta: While egg noodles add a special touch, you can use any pasta you have like penne or rotini.
- Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Sauté them with the ground beef for extra flavor.
- Cheese options: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for a gooey, cheesy topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze Poor Man Husband Casserole?
Yes! After assembling (but before baking), cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as instructed.
What should I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to add a lighter element to the plate.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave for a quicker option.
- Freezer: You can freeze leftovers in individual portions for up to 2 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If this hearty casserole hit the spot, here are a few more recipes to check out:
- Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes – A Hearty Recipe
- Curry Apple and Deep-Fried Rice Recipe: Crunchy in Every Bite
I can’t wait for you to try this Poor Man Husband Casserole! It’s one of those recipes that’s destined to become a family favorite, and it’s so easy to adapt based on what you have on hand. Let me know how it turns out and if you made any delicious twists of your own!
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Poor Man Husband Casserole: A Hearty, Easy-to-Make Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
This Poor Man Husband Casserole is a budget-friendly, hearty dish with layers of egg noodles, savory ground beef, tomato sauce, and creamy cheese. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and packed with flavor. This comfort food classic is sure to satisfy the whole family with its rich, cheesy goodness!
Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 2 cans (30 oz) tomato sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz sour cream
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain the grease.
- Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar. Add the tomato sauce and mix well. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Layer half of the cooked noodles in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Spoon half of the meat sauce over the cream cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, cream cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken, use different types of cheese, or even add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 859 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Cholesterol: 228mg