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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
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Hearty ground beef and noodle casserole—easy, budget-friendly, and incredibly comforting dinner recipe perfect for busy nights or family meals.


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