Why is it called Poor Man Husband Casserole?

The name Poor Man Husband Casserole originated during economically challenging times when households needed to create satisfying meals on tight budgets. The recipe uses affordable ingredients while still providing a hearty, filling meal that could satisfy hardworking family members.

Can I make Poor Man Husband Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Poor Man Husband Casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. When ready to serve, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time. You can also fully cook the casserole, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for ground beef in Poor Man Husband Casserole?

Ground turkey, chicken, or textured vegetable protein work well in place of beef in Poor Man Husband Casserole. For a vegetarian version, try a combination of finely chopped mushrooms and cooked lentils, which create a similar texture and provide protein.

Is Poor Man Husband Casserole suitable for picky eaters?

Poor Man Husband Casserole tends to be a hit with picky eaters due to its familiar flavors and comforting textures. The cheese topping makes it appealing to children, and the creamy layers disguise vegetables if you choose to add them. Consider starting with the basic recipe before introducing variations.

Can I make Poor Man Husband Casserole in a slow cooker?

While traditionally oven-baked, you can adapt Poor Man Husband Casserole for a slow cooker. Brown the meat and assemble as directed, then cook on low for 3-4 hours. Add the cheese during the final 30 minutes of cooking. Note that the texture will be softer than the oven version.

Poor Man Husband Casserole recipe : A 1 Family Favorite

Name: Poor Man Husband Casserole recipe : A 1 Family Favorite
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces egg noodles; 1½ pounds ground beef; 2 cans (30 ounces) tomato sauce; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 8 ounces sour cream; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Description

This Poor Man Husband Casserole is a budget-friendly, hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, creamy layers of cream cheese and sour cream, and tender egg noodles, all topped with melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole delivers rich flavors and comforting textures in just 35 minutes. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces egg noodles
1½ pounds ground beef
2 cans (30 ounces) tomato sauce
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
8 ounces sour cream
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook the Pasta: Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse, and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
Create the Sauce: Stir sugar into the meat mixture, then add tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to concentrate flavors.
Prepare the Creamy Element: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
Assemble the First Layer: Spread half the cooked noodles in the baking dish. Top with half the cream cheese mixture and half the meat sauce.
Complete the Layers: Repeat layering with remaining noodles, cream mixture, and meat sauce.
Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Poor Man Husband Casserole:

Use What You Have: Substitute pasta, ground meat, or cheese based on what’s in your pantry—this dish is incredibly versatile.
Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is softened for easy mixing. Leave it out for 30 minutes before starting.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook noodles just until al dente—they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Layer Strategically: Use small dollops of the cream mixture instead of spreading to avoid tearing the noodles.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set and make serving easier.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6th of recipe)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: poor man husband casserole, budget-friendly casserole, ground beef casserole, easy weeknight dinner

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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