Poor Mans Husband Casserole The Easy Ground Beef Casserole Guide
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a cozy, budget-friendly dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender egg noodles, a creamy cheese mixture, and a blanket of melted cheddar. Baked to perfection in a single pan, this nostalgic casserole is ideal for weeknight dinners, freezer meals, or potluck gatherings. Easy to customize and universally loved, it’s a satisfying solution when time and money are tight—but comfort is a must.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, mix together sour cream and cottage cheese until well combined.
Layer the cooked egg noodles in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Spread the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
Top with the cooked beef mixture, then pour the tomato soup evenly over the top.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
-
Noodle Tip: Cook noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft after baking.
-
Cheese Layer: Mix in extra cheddar into the sour cream and cottage cheese layer for extra richness.
-
Spice It Up: Add taco seasoning or red pepper flakes for more heat.
-
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
-
Freezer Prep: Wrap unbaked casserole well and freeze. Bake from frozen without thawing.