Description
This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is the ultimate budget-friendly comfort food! Layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese filling, tender egg noodles, and a gooey cheddar topping, this dish is hearty, rich, and incredibly satisfying. Easy to make with pantry staples, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or make-ahead meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 2 cans (15 oz. each) tomato sauce
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz sour cream
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the egg noodles until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Add tomato sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Layer
- In a medium bowl, whisk together cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the cooked noodles at the bottom.
- Spread half of the meat sauce over the noodles.
- Evenly spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the beef.
- Repeat the layers: remaining noodles, remaining beef sauce, and the rest of the cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for 10 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm, served with garlic bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes.
- Variations: Try using ground turkey, sausage, or shredded chicken for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food