Introduction:
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines inexpensive ingredients into a satisfying and filling meal.
This dish is often made with ground beef or sausage, potatoes, and vegetables, all baked together in a creamy sauce.
It’s a perfect example of a budget-friendly recipe that’s easy to prepare and can feed a family without breaking the bank.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or sausage)
4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
2 tbsp butter (optional, for greasing the casserole dish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Remove from heat.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using).
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Layer the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish.
Spread half of the meat and onion mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the soup mixture.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Repeat the layers:
add the remaining meat mixture, followed by the soup mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Description
This casserole is the epitome of comfort food, with layers of tender potatoes, savory meat, and melted cheese all bound together by a creamy sauce. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and cheese gives it a rich, satisfying flavor. It’s a one-dish meal that can be made in advance, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Tips
You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef or sausage.
To make it a bit spicier, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use sour cream in place of the milk.
For extra flavor, add some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the onion and beef mixture.
If you don’t have frozen peas, try using other vegetables like corn or carrots.
Variations
Vegetarian Poor Man’s Casserole: Swap the ground meat for lentils or a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh. You can also increase the amount of vegetables for a meatless version.
Cheesy Version: Add more layers of cheese, such as mozzarella or Swiss, for a cheesier casserole.
Spicy Version: Incorporate some diced jalapeños or spicy sausage for an added kick.
Correction
If the potatoes aren’t tender after the recommended baking time, cover the casserole with foil again and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Ensure that the potatoes are sliced thinly for quicker cooking.
For an even crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Enjoy
This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is an affordable, delicious, and filling meal that can feed a crowd. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness and the comfort it brings to your table!