Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a hearty, budget-friendly meal that layers seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, tender noodles, and a creamy cheese mixture into a warm, comforting bake. It’s the kind of no-fuss, stick-to-your-ribs dish I love to make when I want something filling and satisfying without breaking the bank.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this casserole because it’s simple, nostalgic, and made with pantry staples I usually already have on hand. The layers of creamy sour cream and cottage cheese with noodles and meat sauce come together into a cheesy, rich bite that tastes like pure comfort. It’s family-friendly, easy to double for a crowd, and just as good reheated the next day—if there’s any left.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Egg noodles
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Ground beef
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Onion, chopped
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Garlic, minced
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Tomato sauce or pasta sauce
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Sour cream
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Cottage cheese
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt and pepper
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Italian seasoning (optional)
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Butter or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
directions
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I start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set them aside.
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In a large skillet, I brown the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until fully cooked, then drain the excess grease.
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I stir in the tomato sauce, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a bit of Italian seasoning if I want more flavor. I let it simmer for a few minutes.
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In a separate bowl, I mix together the sour cream and cottage cheese.
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I grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and start layering: first half the noodles, then the cheese mixture, then half the meat sauce. I repeat the layers one more time.
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I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
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I bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes, or until everything is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
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I let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people. It takes around 20 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to bake, so I usually have it ready in just under an hour.
Variations
Sometimes I swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage, or mix in chopped spinach or mushrooms for a bit of extra nutrition. I’ve also used ricotta in place of cottage cheese or added mozzarella for a stringy, cheesy topping. When I want to stretch the meal even further, I add a can of diced tomatoes or some cooked rice to the meat layer.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or warm the whole dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through. It also freezes well—I wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
FAQs
Why is it called “Poor Man’s Husband Casserole”?
It’s a playful name that reflects how the recipe uses inexpensive ingredients to make a filling, comforting meal—something any household can appreciate, especially when stretching a budget.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge, then just bake it when I’m ready to serve.
What kind of cheese works best?
I stick with cheddar for flavor, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend work great too.
Can I use cream cheese instead of sour cream?
Yes, I’ve used softened cream cheese for a richer flavor—just be sure to blend it well with the cottage cheese.
Do I need to cover the casserole while baking?
I usually leave it uncovered so the top gets golden and slightly crispy, but I cover it with foil if I want to prevent the cheese from browning too much.
Conclusion
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is the kind of dish that brings comfort and smiles to the table with minimal effort. It’s hearty, affordable, and incredibly adaptable to whatever I have in the kitchen. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or just craving some cozy, old-school cooking, this casserole always hits the spot.
Print
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a budget-friendly comfort food dish made with layers of seasoned ground beef, noodles, a creamy cheese mixture, and melted cheddar for a cozy, hearty meal everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or pasta sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Butter or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned; drain excess grease.
- Stir in tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Simmer for a few minutes.
- In a bowl, mix sour cream and cottage cheese until combined.
- Layer half of the noodles in the baking dish, then spread half of the cheese mixture and half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly with melted, golden cheese.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with turkey or sausage for variation.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes for more flavor and nutrition.
- Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese or add mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
- Freezes well—assemble and freeze before baking or freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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