Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is a classic comfort food that’s both satisfying and economical. The combination of savory beef, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese layered with pasta creates a rich, flavorful dish with minimal effort. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that warms the soul and pleases the whole family.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
2 cups pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini), cooked and drained
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned and onions are soft. Drain excess grease. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream to the skillet. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Spread half of the cooked pasta in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the beef mixture over the pasta and sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining pasta, beef mixture, and cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Cover casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Servings and timing
- Serves: 6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom soup.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra veggies.
- Use different pasta shapes like shells or penne.
- Top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchy finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking; add extra baking time if cold from fridge.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt or dairy-free sour cream alternatives work well.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check labels on soups.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great additions.
How can I make this dish lower fat?
Use lean ground meat and low-fat dairy options.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar and mozzarella blend melts well and adds flavor.
Can I use fresh tomato sauce?
Yes, substitute with homemade or canned tomato sauce.
How spicy is this recipe?
Mild; add chili flakes or hot sauce if desired.
What sides go well with this casserole?
Serve with a fresh salad or steamed veggies.
Conclusion
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a simple, hearty, and budget-friendly meal perfect for family dinners. With layers of flavorful beef, creamy tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese, it offers comforting goodness that everyone will enjoy. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it’s sure to become a household favorite.
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A budget-friendly, comforting casserole with layers of ground beef, pasta, creamy tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
2 cups pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini), cooked and drained
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned and onions are soft. Drain excess grease. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream to the skillet. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Spread half of the cooked pasta in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the beef mixture over the pasta and sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining pasta, beef mixture, and cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Cover casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom soup.
Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra veggies.
Use different pasta shapes like shells or penne.
Top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
