Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Classic “husband casserole” recipes use egg noodles, a creamy sour cream–cottage cheese layer, a tomato-based beef sauce, and cheddar, so this ingredient list fits right into that tradition.
Step-by-step instructions
1. Prep and cook the noodles
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package directions just until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cooking the noodles slightly firm helps them hold their shape after baking in sauce.
2. Brown the beef and build the sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion.
- Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly and let the flavors blend.
This quick simmer mimics the beefy tomato base used in many sour cream noodle bakes and “husband’s delight” casseroles.
3. Make the creamy layer
- In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese (or ricotta).
- Stir until smooth and well blended; season with a pinch of salt and pepper if you like.
This tangy mixture is what gives the casserole its signature creamy pockets between the noodles and sauce.
4. Layer the casserole
- Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked egg noodles in an even layer on the bottom.
- Spoon half of the beef-tomato sauce over the noodles and spread it out.
- Dollop or spread half of the sour cream–cottage cheese mixture over the meat layer.
- Repeat with the remaining noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and the remaining creamy mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
This layered approach mirrors other Poor Man Husband Casserole recipes and ensures every scoop has noodles, sauce, and creamy cheesy goodness.
5. Bake until bubbly
- Bake the casserole uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving so it can set slightly and is easier to scoop.
A short rest time is a common recommendation for baked casseroles; it keeps layers from sliding apart on the plate.