Poor Man’s Casserole

Poor Man’s Casserole is classic, no-frills comfort food made with creamy noodles, savory ground beef, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s the kind of hearty, filling dinner that brings everyone back to the table for seconds.

This budget-friendly casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family without a long grocery list. Simple ingredients come together to create a cozy, satisfying meal that feels like home.

How to make Easy Poor Man’s Casserole

Makes approximately 6-8 servings

Equipment Needed

Measuring spoons, Cutting board, knife, large pot, colander, large skillet, spatula, large bowl, silicone spoon, 9×13-inch casserole dish

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef 
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning 
• 1 tbsp garlic powder 
• 1 tsp Tony’s seasoning
• 1 tsp minced onion 
• 1 small onion, diced
• 29 oz can of tomato sauce 
• 1 cup water
• ½ tsp sugar 
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened 
• 16 oz sour cream 
• 16 oz wide egg noodles 
• 8 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded 

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Dice the onion.

3. Boil the noodles in a large pot until al dente.

4. In a large skillet, add the ground beef, seasonings, and onion, then cook, breaking the meat up as it cooks, until no longer pink.

5. Add in the tomato sauce, water, and sugar, and stir.

6. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese and sour cream together. Add the noodles and toss to coat.

7. Add ⅓ of the meaty sauce mixture to the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with half the noodles, then sprinkle half the cheese over the top.

8. Add another third of the meaty sauce over the top, then the rest of the noodles. Spread the rest of the meaty sauce over the top and sprinkle the rest of the cheese.

9. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips for the Best Poor Man’s Casserole

• Cook noodles al dente: They’ll continue cooking in the oven and won’t get mushy.
• Soften cream cheese first: This helps it blend smoothly with the sour cream.
• Drain excess grease: Keeps the casserole from becoming oily.
• Let it rest before serving: A few minutes helps the layers set.
• Shred cheese fresh if possible: It melts better than pre-shredded cheese.

Yield: 6-8

Poor Man's Casserole

Print

Poor Man’s Casserole is a budget-friendly dinner made with ground beef, creamy noodles, and melted cheese—easy, hearty, and perfect for family meals.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes

Down Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Tony's seasoning
• 1 tsp minced onion
• 1 small onion, diced
• 29 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• ½ tsp sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 16 oz sour cream
• 16 oz wide egg noodles
• 8 oz colby jack cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Dice the onion.
3. Boil the noodles in a large pot until al dente.
4. In a large skillet, add the ground beef, seasonings, and onion, then cook, breaking the meat up as it cooks, until no longer pink.
5. Add in the tomato sauce, water, and sugar, and stir.
6. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese and sour cream together. Add the noodles and toss to coat.
7. Add ⅓ of the meaty sauce mixture to the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Top with half the noodles, then sprinkle half the cheese over the top.
8. Add another third of the meaty sauce over the top, then the rest of the noodles. Spread the rest of the meaty sauce over the top and sprinkle the rest of the cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.