This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to make. Combining tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce, this casserole is topped with gooey cheddar for the ultimate indulgence. It’s a budget-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy the whole family—and maybe even your husband!
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
Cook Time
- 30 minutes
Total Time
- 45 minutes
Servings
- 6–8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz sour cream
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked egg noodles evenly across the bottom.
- Spread the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, smoothing it into an even layer.
- Top the cheese layer with the remaining egg noodles.
- Spoon the beef and tomato sauce mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, covering the entire surface.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes , or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy as-is or garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Pro Tips
- Add Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms when browning the beef for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with savory ground beef and tender egg noodles. It’s simple to prepare, uses affordable pantry staples, and delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Ready to whip up this hearty, cheesy masterpiece? Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a casserole that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!
