Need a hearty, affordable meal that’ll keep everyone at the table satisfied? The Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a comforting classic!
This easy-to-make dish features layers of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy topping—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving a warm, home-cooked dinner without stretching your budget.
Why This Casserole Is a Favorite
This dish has earned its reputation as a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing staple. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a convenient option for saving both time and money.
The combination of seasoned ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese creates a satisfying, well-balanced meal with minimal effort and cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 cup unsalted beef or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole wheat pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini), cooked and drained
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp dried oregano (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano (if using). Stir well.
Make the Sauce
- Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, and Greek yogurt to the skillet. Stir until well combined and simmer for 3-5 minutes to enhance flavor.
Assemble the Casserole
- Spread half of the cooked pasta in the greased baking dish. Layer with half of the beef mixture and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, beef mixture, and cheddar cheese.
Add Mozzarella
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top layer.
Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Pro Tips:
- Choose Quality Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for a richer flavor, or swap it for ground turkey if you prefer a lighter alternative.
- Add Some Heat: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the meat sauce a spicy kick.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack to add a unique twist.
- Prep Ahead: Save time by assembling the casserole a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and bake when ready for an easy, stress-free meal.
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is an affordable and comforting dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, a creamy tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners, bringing together simple ingredients for a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 serving 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 cup unsalted beef or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole wheat pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini), cooked and drained
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp dried oregano (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano (if using). Stir well.
Make the Sauce
- Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, and Greek yogurt to the skillet. Stir until well combined and simmer for 3-5 minutes to enhance flavor.
Assemble the Casserole
- Spread half of the cooked pasta in the greased baking dish. Layer with half of the beef mixture and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, beef mixture, and cheddar cheese.
Add Mozzarella
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top layer.
Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream adds protein and reduces fat.
- Crushed tomatoes + broth replace processed tomato sauce and canned soup while keeping the same depth of flavor.
- Whole wheat pasta provides extra fiber compared to regular pasta.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes