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Poor Man Husband Casserole – Budget-Friendly Comfort Food

Some recipes prove that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a comforting, satisfying meal. Poor Man Husband Casserole is one of those classics — a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish layered with ground beef, tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and a blend of cheeses. It’s filling, family-friendly, and so easy to make with pantry staples. This casserole earned its quirky name because it uses affordable, everyday ingredients but tastes rich and indulgent. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥩 Meat:
  • 2 lbs ground beef
🍅 Fruits & Vegetables:
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
🥫 Canned Goods:
  • 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
🍝 Pasta & Grains:
  • 16 oz egg noodles or other pasta of choice
🌿 Spices & Seasonings:
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
🧀 Dairy:
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup milk

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot (for pasta)
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Oven

Method
 

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
  2. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Cook the Beef Mixture
  1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic over medium heat.
  2. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3 – Make the Creamy Layer
  1. In a bowl, whisk together sour cream and milk until smooth.
Step 4 – Assemble the Casserole
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer:
  3. Half of the noodles
  4. Half of the beef mixture
  5. Dollops of sour cream mixture
  6. Half of the cheeses
  7. Repeat with remaining noodles, beef mixture, sour cream mix, and top with rest of cheeses.
Step 5 – Bake
  1. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6 – Serve
  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or in microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Freeze whole casserole (unbaked) up to 2 months — thaw overnight and bake as directed.
🥄 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, peas, or bell peppers.
Cheese Swap: Use Monterey Jack, provolone, or pepper jack.
Lighter Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
❓ 10 FAQs
Why is it called “Poor Man Husband Casserole”?
Because it uses budget-friendly pantry staples but tastes indulgent.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes — penne, rotini, or shells all work well.
Can I replace cream of mushroom soup?
Try cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce.
Do I need to cook the noodles first?
Yes, unless using oven-ready pasta.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until baking.
Does it freeze well?
Yes — wrap tightly before freezing.
Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, though it may be less creamy.
How do I prevent sogginess?
Drain beef and pasta well before assembling.
What sides go well with it?
A green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes, use an 8x8-inch baking dish for smaller portions.
🏁 Conclusion
This Poor Man Husband Casserole is proof that simple, affordable ingredients can create a hearty, comforting dinner. Cheesy, creamy, and filling, it’s the kind of dish that families request again and again. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser.