A hearty baked casserole with melted cheese, ground beef, and tomato sauce layered with pasta, garnished with fresh basil.

Poor Man Husband Casserole – Easy Ground Beef & Noodle Dinner Recipe

by

Hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly, this classic Poor Man Husband Casserole is a filling, delicious option for busy family dinners!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Affordable Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples that are easy on the wallet.
  • Hearty And Filling: With beef, cheese, and noodles, it’s a complete meal that leaves no one hungry.
  • Comforting And Creamy: The sour cream and cottage cheese layer creates an irresistible richness.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Great for potlucks, family dinners, and picky eaters.
  • Easy To Make Ahead: Perfect for meal prepping or freezing for busy nights.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz egg noodles
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
  4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in garlic, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. In a bowl, combine cottage cheese and sour cream.
  7. Layer half of the noodles in the baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture over the noodles.
  8. Add the remaining noodles on top. Spoon the meat sauce over everything.
  9. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Garnish with parsley if desired before serving.

Servings And Timing

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Calories: Approx. 460 kcal per serving

Variations

  • Meat Swap: Use ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
  • Add Veggies: Mix in spinach, peas, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
  • Cheese Variations: Use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a blend for a new twist.
  • Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free noodles and check sauce ingredients.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and store up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Why Is It Called Poor Man Husband Casserole?

The name refers to its use of inexpensive, everyday ingredients that create a hearty, comforting meal—ideal for feeding a hungry household on a budget.

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I Substitute Cottage Cheese?

Yes, ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute, although it will change the texture slightly.

Is This Dish Freezer-Friendly?

Absolutely. It freezes well either baked or unbaked. Just thaw and reheat as needed.

What Can I Serve With This Casserole?

It pairs well with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread.

Can I Make This In A Smaller Dish?

Yes, halve the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch dish for smaller portions.

Is This Casserole Kid-Friendly?

Very much so! Its creamy texture and cheesy layers are a hit with kids.

Can I Add More Protein?

You can add extra ground meat or even stir in some beans for more protein.

What Kind Of Noodles Should I Use?

Egg noodles are classic, but you can use rotini, penne, or whatever pasta you have on hand.

How Do I Keep It From Drying Out?

Don’t overbake, and make sure the meat sauce is slightly saucy before layering it into the casserole.

Conclusion

Poor Man Husband Casserole is the ultimate cozy, family-friendly dinner that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With layers of creamy, cheesy, beefy goodness over tender noodles, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making again and again. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a warm and hearty meal on a budget.

Cozy, Budget-Friendly Comfort Food You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of warm, hearty meals that don’t break the bank, you’ll love the Poor Man Husband Casserole — it’s rich, cheesy, and loaded with comfort. For something equally satisfying, the Ground Beef Stroganoff Pasta Casserole With Cheese is a creamy weeknight favorite. Looking for a fun twist? The Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole layers bold, savory flavors with minimal prep. You can also try the nostalgic simplicity of Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole — proof that comfort doesn’t need to be complicated. And for a spicy family favorite, the Layered Taco Casserole brings together Tex-Mex flavors in one delicious dish.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Close-up of a baked pasta casserole with layers of cheese, pasta, mushrooms, and a golden, caramelized top, served in a white dish.

Poor Man Husband Casserole

  • Author: Chef Clara
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal
Print Recipe

Description

A budget-friendly comfort food classic made with layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy sour cream and cottage cheese, and hearty egg noodles—all baked under a blanket of melted cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz egg noodles
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in garlic, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. In a separate bowl, mix cottage cheese and sour cream together.
  7. Spread half of the cooked noodles in the baking dish. Top with the cottage cheese mixture.
  8. Add the remaining noodles, then spoon the meat mixture over the top.
  9. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
  • Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
  • Great for meal prep—store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us on Facebook — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made! And Follow us on Pinterest Clap Recipes