Name: Poor Man Husband Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 oz egg noodles (or other short pasta); 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing dish); Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it’s the kind of no-fuss, family-style meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It stretches everyday ingredients into a full dinner that’s both filling and flavorful. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping, makes delicious leftovers, and uses ingredients I usually already have in my kitchen.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Canned tomato sauce
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Egg noodles
Sour cream
Cream cheese (softened)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef with diced onion and garlic until browned and cooked through. I drain any excess grease.
I stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
Meanwhile, I cook the egg noodles according to package directions, then drain them.
In a bowl, I mix the sour cream and softened cream cheese until smooth.
I spread half the noodles into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then spread the sour cream mixture over the noodles.
I layer the rest of the noodles on top, followed by the beef and tomato sauce mixture.
I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
I let it rest for a few minutes before serving, optionally garnished with chopped parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake.

Variations

Sometimes I use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef. I’ve also added diced green peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra veggies. If I want a spicier version, I stir in red pepper flakes or use a spicy tomato sauce. And for extra cheesiness, I mix some cheddar into the sour cream layer.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven at 325°F until warmed through. It also freezes great—I let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. I bake it when I’m ready, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. I wrap it tightly before baking and freeze it, then thaw and bake fresh when needed.

What kind of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are classic, but I’ve used rotini or penne in a pinch and they work just as well.

Can I lighten this up?

Yes, I use ground turkey, light sour cream, and reduced-fat cream cheese to make it a little lighter without sacrificing flavor.

What can I serve with this casserole?

I like pairing it with a green salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread for a full meal.

Conclusion

Poor Man Husband Casserole is an easy, comforting dish that turns simple ingredients into something special. It’s cozy, cheesy, and always hits the spot—especially on busy nights when I need something hearty and homemade without the hassle. This one’s a keeper in my weeknight rotation.