Poor Man’s Husband Casserole: A Hearty, Budget-Friendly Comfort Food
When it comes to easy, affordable, and satisfying meals, nothing beats a classic casserole. Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is the perfect solution for a hearty weeknight dinner that won’t break the bank. This dish combines layers of tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese into one delicious bite.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is a must-try. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this budget-friendly comfort food!
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole Recipe
Table of Contents
Introduction
Looking for a quick and delicious meal that doesn’t require fancy ingredients? Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is the answer! This dish is packed with rich flavors, creamy textures, and cheesy goodness—all made with affordable pantry staples. If you love comfort food that’s easy to prepare, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients for Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef – A protein-packed base for the dish
- 1 medium onion, chopped – Adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the beef’s taste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce – Brings a rich, tangy component
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked – Soft and hearty pasta base
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – A must-have for a gooey, cheesy topping
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential seasonings
Creamy Layer Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup – Adds a creamy, savory depth
- ½ cup sour cream – Brings a slight tang and smooth texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions are tender.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Drain any excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Stir the tomato sauce into the beef mixture.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Layer
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream.
- Stir until smooth and set aside.
Step 5: Layering the Casserole
- Spread half of the cooked egg noodles in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Top with half of the beef mixture.
- Spread half of the soup and sour cream mixture evenly over the beef.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, and soup mixture.
- Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 6: Baking the Casserole
- Place the dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides makes it even better:
- Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce
- Steamed vegetables – Adds a fresh contrast to the richness
- Simple side salad – A light, crisp addition to balance the meal
Tips for the Best Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
- Use fresh cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Try different meats – Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a unique twist.
- Make it ahead – Assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake when ready.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: ~20g
- Carbs: ~30g
- Fat: ~18g
Why This Recipe is a Winner
- Affordable: Uses inexpensive ingredients.
- Easy to Make: These are simple steps that anyone can follow.
- Comforting & Delicious: A warm, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole Recipe
When it comes to easy, affordable, and satisfying meals, nothing beats a classic casserole. Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is the perfect solution for a hearty weeknight dinner that won’t break the bank. This dish combines layers of tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese into one delicious bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 can 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 can 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 8 ounces egg noodles cooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook Beef and Onions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir the tomato sauce into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Creamy Layer:
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the sour cream until smooth. Set it aside.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Spread half of the cooked egg noodles evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Top the noodles with half of the beef mixture.
- Spread half of the soup and sour cream mixture over the beef.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the creamy layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, and soup mixture. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.