Name: Poor Man Husband Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cups tomato or marinara sauce; 8 oz wide egg noodles, cooked and drained; 1 cup sour cream; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Poor Man Husband Casserole is a hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly dish that brings together classic pantry staples to create a satisfying dinner everyone loves. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, creamy sour cream, and egg noodles are baked with melty cheese to create a cozy, family-style meal. I love making this when I want a no-fuss, feel-good dinner that stretches easily and fills the whole table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s affordable, simple to throw together, and packed with flavor. It uses everyday ingredients, but when it all bakes together, the result tastes like something much more special. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry family without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups tomato or marinara sauce
8 oz wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
1 cup sour cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or parsley for garnish

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned. I drain the excess grease and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning if I want.
I stir the tomato sauce into the cooked beef and let it simmer for a few minutes.
In a separate bowl, I mix the sour cream and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
I layer the bottom of the baking dish with half of the cooked noodles.
I spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
I add the remaining noodles, then spoon the meat sauce over the top.
I sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
I let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the layers can set.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: About 45 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I use ground turkey instead of beef, or mix in a handful of spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies. I’ve also tried different cheeses—mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work great. For a little kick, I stir in red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or bake covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well—just assemble it up to the baking step, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, I thaw overnight and bake as usual.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, I’ve made it with rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni. I just make sure it’s cooked al dente before layering.

Can I leave out the cream cheese?

If I don’t have cream cheese, I’ve used just sour cream, or even Greek yogurt. It still gives a creamy layer, just a bit tangier.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble it earlier in the day or the night before and store it covered in the fridge. I just bake it a few extra minutes if it’s cold.

What’s the best way to freeze it?

I wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, label it, and freeze. When I’m ready to bake, I thaw it overnight and then follow the same baking directions.

Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Definitely. The creamy, cheesy layers and mild tomato flavor make it a hit with picky eaters. I sometimes even sneak in finely chopped veggies and no one notices.

Conclusion

Poor Man Husband Casserole proves that simple ingredients can create something truly comforting and delicious. It’s the kind of old-school recipe that’s easy on the wallet but big on flavor—and always a hit around the dinner table. Whether I’m feeding my family or meal prepping for the week, this is one dish that never disappoints.