Description
Poor Man Husband Casserole is a budget-friendly, hearty dinner that brings all the comfort of a traditional baked casserole, without breaking the bank. Whether you use noodles or potatoes, this creamy, cheesy, tomato-based dish is an easy family favorite perfect for weeknights or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles or 3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream or cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the creamy layer: In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream (or cream cheese) with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the noodles (or potatoes), half the meat mixture, and half the cream mixture. Repeat the layers once more. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Meat swap: Use ground turkey or lentils for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Pasta alternative: Substitute with gluten-free noodles as needed.
- Make-ahead: This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly and thaw before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Meat Casseroles
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Sugar: ~5 g
- Sodium: ~720 mg
- Fat: ~24 g
- Saturated Fat: ~11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~10 g
- Trans Fat: ~0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: ~24 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Protein: ~24 g
- Cholesterol: ~85 mg
Keywords: poor man casserole, husband casserole, beef noodle casserole, budget-friendly casserole, creamy tomato casserole