Poor Man Husband Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Poor Man Husband Casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked dish that’s simple to make and packed with hearty flavors. Combining ground beef, creamy cheese layers, and tender noodles, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20 blend works best
- 16 oz can tomato sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 8 oz sour cream
- 8 oz egg noodles, any wide variety
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and allow it to reach full temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Drain excess fat, then add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 4: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and free of lumps.
- Step 5: Cook the egg noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- Step 6: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the noodles on the bottom, spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the noodles, then spoon half of the meat sauce on top.
- Step 7: Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, cream mixture, and meat sauce. Finish by sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Step 8: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for mild heat.
- Try using sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a richer taste.
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken to lighten the dish.
- Adding sautéed onions or bell peppers with the garlic enhances the flavor and texture.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or bake covered at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes. This dish is also freezer-friendly; freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles?
Yes, feel free to substitute egg noodles with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Just be sure to cook them al dente to prevent mushiness.
What can I do to make this casserole more vegetable-rich?
Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce is a great way to boost nutrition and flavor without overpowering the dish.
PrintPoor Man Husband Casserole Recipe
Poor Man Husband Casserole is a hearty, comforting baked dish featuring a savory combination of ground beef, creamy layers of cream cheese and sour cream, tender egg noodles, and a rich tomato-based meat sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners and guarantees a satisfying meal with classic flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 16 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Creamy Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 8 oz sour cream
Noodles and Topping
- 8 oz egg noodles (any wide variety)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Get Your Oven Ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it come to full temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring well.
- Make the Meat Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and granulated sugar to the beef mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Mix the Creamy Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix thoroughly until smooth and free of lumps.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the egg noodles in salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Layer It All Up: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start with half of the noodles as the base, spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then add half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers with the remaining noodles, cream mixture, and meat sauce. Finish by sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the cheddar cheese has melted and turned golden. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Using a wide egg noodle will help absorb the sauce better.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up for easier serving.
- Feel free to add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat easily in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: Poor Man Husband Casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy beef casserole, easy casseroles, baked noodle casserole
