Name: Poor Man Husband Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular); 1 medium onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced (any color); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce; 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked); 1 cup beef broth or water; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil

I love how this hearty, budget-friendly casserole combines simple ingredients into a warm and comforting meal. It’s an easy dish to throw together on busy nights and always satisfies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it uses pantry staples and affordable cuts of meat, yet delivers rich flavors. It’s a one-dish wonder that gives me minimal cleanup, maximum satisfaction, and makes great leftovers.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef (lean or regular, depending on preference)
onion, diced
bell pepper, diced (any color)
garlic cloves, minced
canned diced tomatoes
tomato sauce
elbow macaroni or another small pasta
beef broth or water
shredded cheddar cheese
Worcestershire sauce
dried oregano
dried basil
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil or cooking oil

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. I sauté diced onion and bell pepper until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns evenly. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth or water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add uncooked elbow macaroni, stirring to combine. Let it simmer just until pasta begins to soften (about 5 minutes).
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. I top it generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until casserole is bubbling and cheese is melted and golden.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This casserole serves about 6 people.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes (including baking)
Total time: about 50 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten it up.
I’ve also added frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) for extra nutrition.
For a bit of spice, I mix in chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
I enjoy using a Mexican cheese blend in place of cheddar for a twist in flavor.
To make it low-carb, I swap the pasta for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions until warm, or I reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. If the casserole has dried out, I add a splash of broth or water before reheating to restore moisture.

FAQs

How do I make this casserole vegetarian?

I substitute cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat for the beef, and I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The rest stays the same!

Can I freeze Poor Man Husband Casserole?

Yes. I cool it completely, wrap it well or store it in a freezer-safe dish, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, I thaw overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until heated through.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely. I’ve used penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure the pasta cooks through during baking; you might need a slightly longer bake time.

Is there a way to make it quicker?

If I’m in a real hurry, I cook the pasta separately and mix it with the meat sauce before baking. That cuts bake time to about 10 minutes—just until cheese is melted.

What kind of cheese works best?

I typically use sharp cheddar for flavor and meltability. However, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend all work beautifully.

Conclusion

Poor Man Husband Casserole is my go-to comfort meal when I want something satisfying, easy, and cost-effective. It’s versatile, flavorful, and perfect for families or meal prep. I hope it becomes one of your kitchen favorites, just like it has in mine.