Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a hearty, budget-friendly dish made with simple, pantry-staple ingredients. It’s known for its comforting, cheesy, and savory layers — typically including ground beef, tomato sauce, noodles, and cheese. Here’s a classic recipe:
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
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8 oz egg noodles or elbow macaroni
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix like cheddar and mozzarella)
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Chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook the noodles: Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the beef mixture:
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In a skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned.
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Add garlic (if using), tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 5–10 minutes.
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Prepare the cheese mixture:
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In a bowl, mix the sour cream and cottage cheese together. You can also season with a bit of salt and pepper.
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Layer the casserole (in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish):
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Layer 1: Half the cooked noodles
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Layer 2: All the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture
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Layer 3: Remaining noodles
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Layer 4: Ground beef and tomato sauce mixture
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Top with shredded cheese
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Optional: Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips:
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Swap in ground turkey or chicken to lighten it up.
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Add spinach or frozen mixed veggies to the beef layer for more nutrition.
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This casserole freezes well — great for make-ahead meals.