Name: Poor Man's Husband Casserole 🍲
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup sour cream; 2 cups pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini), cooked and drained; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Looking for a delicious, budget-friendly casserole that’ll fill up the whole family? The “Poor Man’s Husband Casserole” is a classic choice! This simple yet hearty meal combines ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese topping, making it the ultimate comfort food. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or whenever you need a cozy, home-cooked meal without breaking the bank.

Why This Casserole is So Popular

Poor Man’s Husband Casserole has earned its name as a wallet-friendly, crowd-pleasing dish. Its simplicity and the use of pantry staples make it a reliable go-to for those looking to save time and money. The layers of ground beef, tomato sauce, and pasta topped with melted cheese make it a complete, satisfying meal with minimal prep and clean-up.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this easy casserole:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (optional for added texture)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
8 oz pasta (elbow or shell pasta works well)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium-sized casserole dish.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent. Drain any excess fat.
Add the Tomato Base: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Create the Creamy Layer: In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and cottage cheese. This will create the creamy middle layer that makes this casserole so comforting.
Assemble the Casserole:

Layer half of the cooked pasta on the bottom of your prepared casserole dish.
Spread half of the meat sauce over the pasta.
Dollop the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture over the sauce, spreading it evenly.
Add another layer of pasta, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake: Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a side salad or garlic bread.

Tips for the Best Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

Choose Quality Ground Beef: For a richer flavor, use 80/20 ground beef. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey can be a great substitute.
Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat sauce for extra heat.
Swap the Cheese: Feel free to switch up the shredded cheese. Mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack can add a unique twist.
Make It in Advance: Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake for a fuss-free meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even as a quick leftover for busy days. The creamy layer of cottage cheese and sour cream gives it a unique richness that pairs perfectly with the savory meat sauce and melted cheddar topping. It’s filling, flavorful, and uses ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.

Final Thoughts

The Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a timeless, budget-friendly meal that brings a sense of comfort and satisfaction to the table. With a few affordable ingredients and easy steps, you can create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is economical. Perfect for beginner cooks and anyone looking to serve a hearty dinner without spending too much time or money, this casserole is a must-try recipe that’s sure to make its way into your regular rotation.

Serving and Storage Tips for Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

Serving Tips:

Pair with Sides: This casserole is hearty on its own, but it’s always nice to have a few sides to complement it. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed vegetables (like broccoli or green beans) make for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.
Top with Fresh Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a touch of color and flavor. If you like some extra crunch, a few crushed crispy fried onions or a drizzle of hot sauce can bring an extra layer of texture and spice.
Serve in Individual Portions: For a more casual presentation, consider serving the casserole in individual bowls or ramekins. This makes it easy for guests to help themselves and adds a nice personal touch.

Storage Tips:

Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This casserole is freezer-friendly! After cooling, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for 20-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Reheating: To reheat the casserole, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. If it’s frozen, let it thaw first before baking. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quicker option.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy this delicious and comforting casserole for several days, making it an excellent meal prep option or dish for leftovers!

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this casserole?
Yes! While ground beef is the traditional choice, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork if preferred. For a vegetarian version, try using a plant-based meat substitute or extra vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or beans for a hearty alternative.

2. Can I make Poor Man’s Husband Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and bake it the following day. You may need to add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.

3. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! To make it gluten-free, simply swap out the pasta for a gluten-free pasta option. There are many great gluten-free pasta varieties available that work just as well in casseroles.

4. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach is a great way to boost the nutrition of the dish. You can stir them into the meat sauce or layer them between the pasta and sauce for extra flavor and texture.