Can I Make Poor Man's Husband Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as instructed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cook time if it's still cold.

Is Poor Man's Husband Casserole Freezer-Friendly?

Absolutely. To freeze, assemble the casserole in a disposable foil pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling.

What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream or Cream Cheese?

If you're out of sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great substitute that offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. For cream cheese, you can use ricotta or cottage cheese, though the texture will be slightly different. These swaps work well in maintaining the creamy consistency that defines Poor Man's Husband Casserole .

Poor Man's Husband Casserole – Best One-Pan Dinner Recipe

Name: Poor Man's Husband Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces egg noodles: cooked according to package directions; 1 ½ pounds ground beef: adds savory depth and protein; 30 ounces tomato sauce (2 cans): provides tangy, rich base; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: adds a creamy texture and slight tang; 8 ounces sour cream: enhances creaminess and balances acidity; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: gives aromatic flavor; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: brings herbaceous notes; 1 teaspoon sugar: balances acidity of tomato sauce; ¼ teaspoon salt: enhances overall flavor; ¼ teaspoon pepper: adds mild heat; 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded: creates a gooey, sharp topping

Description

Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting layered pasta bake made with ground beef, egg noodles, tomato sauce, and a rich sour cream and cream cheese mixture. This family-friendly, budget-conscious dish is perfect for weeknights or gatherings, offering a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces egg noodles: cooked according to package directions
1 ½ pounds ground beef: adds savory depth and protein
30 ounces tomato sauce (2 cans): provides tangy, rich base
8 ounces cream cheese, softened: adds a creamy texture and slight tang
8 ounces sour cream: enhances creaminess and balances acidity
2 teaspoons garlic, minced: gives aromatic flavor
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: brings herbaceous notes
1 teaspoon sugar: balances acidity of tomato sauce
¼ teaspoon salt: enhances overall flavor
¼ teaspoon pepper: adds mild heat
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded: creates a gooey, sharp topping

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook egg noodles according to package directions, then drain and rinse to stop cooking.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir and cook until fragrant.
Add sugar and tomato sauce to the skillet, stir to combine, and simmer for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
Layer half the noodles in the bottom of the baking dish.
Spread half of the cream cheese and sour cream mixture over the noodles.
Spoon half of the meat sauce over the creamy layer.
Repeat the layers with remaining noodles, cream mixture, and meat sauce.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Slightly undercook noodles to prevent over-softening during baking.
Let cream cheese come to room temperature for easier blending.
Make ahead by assembling and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezer-friendly: assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for dietary needs.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg