A comforting, hearty casserole that’s easy on the wallet but big on flavor. Creamy, cheesy, and saucy layers come together in a dish the whole family will love—just like something Grandma used to make when times were tough but love was plenty.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 cans (30 ounces total) tomato sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add sugar and pour in the tomato sauce. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half the cooked noodles.
- Spread half the sour cream mixture over the noodles.
- Spoon half the meat sauce over the sour cream layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and meat sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Variation
- Swap the Protein: Don’t have ground beef on hand? You can easily substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or more diet-friendly version. Just make sure to season well since leaner meats can be milder in flavor.
- Add Some Veggies: Toss in a cup of sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to bulk up the casserole and sneak in some extra nutrition. This is a great way to use up produce and add a little more texture and color.
- Change Up the Cheese: While cheddar brings a classic, sharp flavor, you can mix things up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend. A little Parmesan sprinkled on top also adds a nice salty crunch when baked.
Cooking Notes
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing it with the sour cream. Cold cream cheese can be difficult to blend smoothly, leading to lumps in your casserole. Let it sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles just until al dente. They’ll continue cooking a bit in the oven, and overcooking them beforehand could lead to a mushy texture.
- Drain the Beef Well: After browning the ground beef, be sure to drain off the grease. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming greasy and keeps the flavors more balanced.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes the perfect contrast to the richness of this dish. It adds a crisp, refreshing balance to the creamy and cheesy layers.
- Serve with Garlic Bread or Rolls: A warm, crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls help soak up every last bit of that flavorful sauce. It also rounds out the meal for hearty appetites.
- Top with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or basil just before serving for a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that lifts the whole dish.
Tips
- Make Ahead for Busy Nights: This casserole can be fully assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance. Just pull it out when you’re ready to bake—it makes dinnertime a breeze on busy weeknights.
- Double It for Freezing: Make two casseroles at once—one for now, one for the freezer. Assemble the second one in a disposable foil pan, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: After baking, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve without everything sliding apart.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 820mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven. - Can I freeze Poor Man’s Husband Casserole?
Yes! Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover well, and freeze before baking. It keeps well for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. - What can I use instead of egg noodles?
If you don’t have egg noodles, you can substitute with rotini, penne, or any other short pasta. Just avoid overcooking, since it will continue to bake in the oven. - Is there a way to lighten this dish?
Definitely! Use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream, opt for lean ground turkey or chicken, and try a light cheese blend. It’ll still be creamy and satisfying, just a bit lighter on calories.
Conclusion
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is one of those timeless, budget-friendly comfort meals that brings everyone to the table. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, freezing a backup meal, or just looking for a little comfort food, this casserole delivers every time.
Enjoy the hearty layers, cheesy topping, and that homey flavor that keeps people coming back for seconds!
Print
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A comforting, hearty casserole that’s easy on the wallet but big on flavor. Creamy, cheesy, and saucy layers come together in a dish the whole family will love—just like something Grandma used to make when times were tough but love was plenty.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 cans (30 ounces total) tomato sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add sugar and pour in the tomato sauce. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half the cooked noodles.
- Spread half the sour cream mixture over the noodles.
- Spoon half the meat sauce over the sour cream layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and meat sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Notes
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or a blend if you prefer a different flavor.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little kick.
- Freezes well! Just cover tightly and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: ground beef casserole, egg noodles, poor man's casserole, budget meal, family dinner