Poor Man’s Husband Casserole – Budget-Friendly Comfort Food That Feels Like a Hug from Home
This casserole has been passed around in church cookbooks and grandma’s kitchens for generations. It earned its name because it’s made with humble pantry staples—yet it tastes like something you’d order at a cozy country diner. With layers of buttery noodles, savory ground beef, creamy tomato mixture, and ooey-gooey cheese, this dish proves that delicious meals don’t need expensive ingredients.
It’s a favorite for busy weeknights, feeding a crowd, or stretching leftovers into a whole new dinner. Bonus? It tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion. Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cottage cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Layer the cooked noodles on the bottom.
- Spread the sour cream mixture over the noodles.
- Spoon the meat sauce evenly on top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture.
Optional Add-ins
- Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers
- Dash of hot sauce for a kick
- Crushed Ritz crackers or French-fried onions on top for crunch
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Serves 6–8)
| Calories | 430 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
Printable Summary
| Poor Man’s Husband Casserole | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 6–8 |
FAQs
Q: Can I substitute cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta cheese works great for a smoother texture.
Q: Can this casserole be frozen?
Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Q: What meat alternatives work?
Ground turkey or sausage are great swaps, or use a mix for extra flavor.
Q: Is it kid-friendly?
Very! It’s mild, cheesy, and comforting—great for picky eaters.
This casserole proves that with just a few simple ingredients, you can create something truly heartwarming and filling.
