Description
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a simple, budget-friendly comfort meal that’s hearty, creamy, and cheesy. Made with ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce layered with sour cream and cottage cheese — it’s the perfect weeknight dinner for families who love cozy, filling meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni or shells work well)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese. Mix well.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta, then half of the sour cream mixture, half of the meat sauce, and half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Use any pasta you like — rotini, penne, or even egg noodles.
- This casserole freezes and reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American