Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a simple yet satisfying dish made with layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for families looking for a budget-friendly meal that still tastes rich and delicious. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a filling dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1½ cups egg noodles (or elbow macaroni)
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles or macaroni until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary. Add the diced onion and cook until soft (about 3 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.Make the Sauce:
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Remove from heat.Prepare the Creamy Layer:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread half of the cooked pasta evenly on the bottom. Add a layer of the creamy mixture, followed by half of the beef mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cream cheese mixture, and beef sauce.Add Cheese & Bake:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.Serve & Enjoy:
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
Tips & Variations:
Meat Options: Substitute ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
Add Veggies: Mix in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
This casserole is comforting, affordable, and incredibly delicious—perfect for a quick family meal!
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups egg noodles or elbow macaroni
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter for greasing the dish
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles or macaroni until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary. Add the diced onion and cook until soft (about 3 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Creamy Layer:
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread half of the cooked pasta evenly on the bottom. Add a layer of the creamy mixture, followed by half of the beef mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cream cheese mixture, and beef sauce.
- Add Cheese & Bake:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
