Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
A budget-conscious classic, the Poor Man's Husband Casserole unites accessible pantry staples into a heartwarming dish perfect for weeknight dinners. This layered bake offers creamy, savory, and cheesy notes that make it both satisfying and endlessly adaptable to dietary variations. Whether prepared ahead of time or served fresh from the oven, it consistently delivers family-pleasing comfort with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 2 cans 15 ounces each tomato sauce
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef or alternative protein
- 8 ounces sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly.
- Boil the egg noodles following the package instructions, drain them thoroughly, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
- Incorporate the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the beef. Stir in the tomato sauce and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
- Blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream together in a mixing bowl until smooth and uniform.
- Assemble the casserole by layering half the noodles in the bottom of the prepared dish. Spread over half the cream cheese mixture, followed by half the meat sauce. Repeat these layers in the same order.
- Top the final layer with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a leaner variation, swap the ground beef with turkey, chicken, or a plant-based option.
Whole wheat noodles or zucchini slices offer excellent alternatives for those following low-carb or whole-food diets.
Prepare in advance and store covered in the fridge or freezer; extend baking time by 5–10 minutes if chilled.
Reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.
Whole wheat noodles or zucchini slices offer excellent alternatives for those following low-carb or whole-food diets.
Prepare in advance and store covered in the fridge or freezer; extend baking time by 5–10 minutes if chilled.
Reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.