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Poor Man Husband Casserole
Emily

Poor Man Husband Casserole

This hearty Poor Man Husband Casserole is an easy, comforting dinner layered with noodles, creamy cheese, and a rich tomato meat sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead freezer meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 415
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 8 oz egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • medium pot for noodles
  • Mixing bowls
  • spatula and whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain any excess grease.
  4. Stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add tomato sauce and drained diced tomatoes. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream and cottage cheese until smooth.
  6. Layer half the noodles in the baking dish. Spread half of the creamy mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use lean ground beef for a lighter version. For extra creaminess, add a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce. Try topping with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a crispy finish. Great for freezing and reheating—ideal for busy weeknight dinners.