Introduction:
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s simple to make with affordable ingredients. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a filling meal without breaking the bank. Despite the humble ingredients, it’s incredibly flavorful, making it a favorite for families or anyone on a budget. The casserole combines ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and seasonings, all baked together into a satisfying one-pan dish.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
1 medium onion, chopped
4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 can (15 oz) mixed vegetables (or your preferred veggies like peas, carrots, or corn)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or any cream of soup you prefer)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
1/2 cup milk (optional, to make it creamier)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Season the meat with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
In a large baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom.
Spread the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
Drain the can of mixed vegetables and layer them on top of the beef mixture.
Pour the cream of mushroom soup (or your chosen soup) over the top and spread it evenly. Add a little milk for a creamier texture, if desired.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the casserole (if using). Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
Description: This casserole is a blend of simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create a filling, satisfying meal. The ground meat gives it protein, while the potatoes form the base, making it hearty and filling. The cream of mushroom soup ties everything together, adding moisture and richness to the dish. The melted cheese adds an indulgent touch, but it’s optional. The beauty of Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is that it’s highly customizable, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
Tips:
Add spices: For extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch of paprika, thyme, or any seasoning you like.
Use frozen veggies: If you don’t have canned mixed vegetables, frozen veggies can work just as well and may even add more texture and flavor.
Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Vegetarian option: Skip the ground meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Top with breadcrumbs: For a crispy top, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese before baking.
Variations:
Cheesy Poor Man’s Husband Casserole: Add extra layers of cheese or mix cheese into the ground beef for an even cheesier dish.
Sausage Version: Swap out the ground beef for sausage for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Version: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Sweet Potato Version: Instead of regular potatoes, use sweet potatoes for a healthier, slightly sweet alternative.
Corrections/Adjustments:
If you prefer a more crunchy texture, you can slice the potatoes thinner or pre-cook them in the microwave for a few minutes before layering them.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you like a more savory flavor, add extra garlic powder, onion powder, or even Worcestershire sauce.
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken, or even make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and milk.
Enjoy! Now you’re ready to serve up your delicious Poor Man’s Husband Casserole! It’s a perfect meal for any day of the week, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. This simple yet satisfying dish will surely please even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy your meal!