Poor Man Husband Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly classic that’s been a staple for families for generations. It combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato-based sauce for a satisfying, flavorful meal everyone will love. Below, you’ll find the full recipe and an easy ingredient table to guide you through the process.
🧾 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni pasta | 2 cups |
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | For garnish |
🍽️ Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until fragrant and translucent.
4. Make the Tomato Sauce
Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
5. Season the Sauce
Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir and let the flavors blend together for a few minutes.
6. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the cooked pasta evenly in the dish.
7. Add the Beef and Sauce
Layer half of the cooked beef mixture over the pasta. Pour half of the sauce evenly over the top.
8. Repeat the Layers
Add the remaining pasta, followed by the rest of the beef and sauce.
9. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.
10. Bake the Casserole
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
11. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and top with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a touch of color and freshness.
