It’s creamy, cheesy, layered with noodles, seasoned beef, and a tangy sauce — simple ingredients, big flavor!
Poor Man Husband Casserole
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Ingredients:
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8 oz egg noodles (about 4 cups cooked)
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
For the creamy layer:
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1 cup sour cream
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded cheddar (or mozzarella, divided)
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2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat oven:
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Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook the noodles:
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Boil egg noodles according to package directions until al dente.
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Drain and set aside.
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Cook the beef mixture:
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In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic.
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Drain excess grease.
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Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer 5–10 minutes.
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Prepare the creamy layer:
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In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese until smooth.
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Assemble the casserole:
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Layer half of the noodles in the baking dish.
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Spread the creamy mixture evenly over noodles.
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Top with half of the meat sauce.
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Repeat layers with remaining noodles and sauce.
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Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
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Bake:
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Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
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Serve:
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
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Garnish with parsley if desired.
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Tips & Variations:
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🧀 Cheese swap: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby.
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🍅 Extra flavor: Add a spoonful of tomato paste or red pepper flakes for richness.
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🥩 Make-ahead: Assemble the night before and refrigerate; bake when ready.
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🧄 Lighter option: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and ground turkey instead of beef.
Would you like me to give you a slow cooker version or a one-pan stovetop shortcut of this casserole next?
