Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a budget-friendly, hearty dish that combines simple ingredients to create a comforting, filling meal. This casserole typically includes ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy sauce, making it both easy to prepare and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner version)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or use cream of chicken for variation)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for flavor and color)
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for greasing the pan)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the onions: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the meat and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Prepare the cream sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the can of cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and paprika, if desired.
- Assemble the casserole: In the prepared casserole dish, layer the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread the cooked ground beef and onions mixture over the potatoes. Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the top of the beef layer.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add cheese: After 45 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy a simple, comforting meal!
Tips:
- If you want to add more vegetables, you can throw in some frozen peas or corn with the beef mixture for extra flavor and color.
- Feel free to swap out the cream of mushroom soup for any other cream soup variety, like cream of chicken or celery.
- For a crispy topping, add a handful of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
This casserole is great for families on a budget, and it’s filling enough for leftovers!
