Dinner

Poor Man’s Casserole Recipe

Name: Poor Man’s Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1.5 lbs ground beef; ½ tbsp garlic powder; ½ tbsp onion powder; ½ tbsp Italian seasoning; ½ tbsp + 1 tsp Tony’s Creole seasoning (divided); 1 onion (chopped); 6 garlic cloves (chopped); Salt and cracked black pepper (to taste); 28 oz can tomato sauce; ¾ cup water; Pinch of sugar; 12 oz wide egg noodles; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 8 oz sour cream; 8 oz freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided); 5 oz freshly shredded cheddar cheese

ByRita Bennet February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

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Introduction

Poor Man’s Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It’s loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy noodles, and melty cheese baked to perfection. This easy casserole is sure to become a favorite weeknight meal.

A spoon lifts a layered portion of baked lasagna above a white ceramic baking dish with a blue outer edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The lasagna has four clear layers: the bottom layer is creamy white pasta sheets, followed by a chunky tomato meat sauce with visible ground meat and tomato pieces, then another thin layer of pasta, and topped with melted, golden yellow cheddar cheese that looks bubbly and slightly crispy on top. The cheese layer drips slightly, showing a rich, gooey texture beneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 lbs ground beef

½ tbsp garlic powder
½ tbsp onion powder

½ tbsp Italian seasoning
½ tbsp + 1 tsp Tony’s Creole seasoning (divided)

1 onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, chopped
Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

12 oz wide egg noodles
28 oz can tomato sauce
¾ cup water

Pinch of sugar
8 oz cream cheese, softened
8 oz sour cream

8 oz freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided)
5 oz freshly shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a meat masher. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and ½ tablespoon of Tony’s Creole seasoning. Sauté for a few minutes until the meat is nearly browned. Add chopped onions, garlic, salt, and cracked black pepper. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned.

Step 2: While the meat cooks, boil egg noodles in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: If there’s excess oil in the pan, spoon some out. Pour in the tomato sauce. Fill the empty tomato sauce can with ¾ cup water, swirl to get remaining sauce, then add that to the pan. Add a pinch of sugar and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of Tony’s Creole seasoning until smooth. Add cooked egg noodles and mix until noodles are evenly coated.

Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread a ladle of meat sauce evenly on the bottom. Layer half of the creamy noodle mixture on top, then sprinkle with 4 ounces of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Add about 3 ladles of meat sauce, spread evenly. Add the remaining creamy noodles, then another 4 ounces of Colby Jack cheese. Spread the rest of the meat sauce over, and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes. Let it rest for 20 to 25 minutes before serving to let it set. Enjoy your delicious Poor Man’s Casserole!

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.

Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten the flavor.
Swap out Colby Jack for mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a milder taste.
If you like spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

A close-up photo shows a layered casserole scoop being lifted from a white dish with blue edges, placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has at least three layers: the bottom layer appears to be browned meat mixed with a chunky tomato sauce, the middle layer consists of a creamy white sauce or cheese, and the top layer is a bright golden melted cheese with a smooth texture, slightly dripping from the scoop. The food looks hot and rich, with a woman’s hand holding the spoon from the right side. The background features soft-focus kitchen drawers in grey. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it covered. Bake it as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.