Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: Budget-friendly

Description

This hearty and comforting Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a classic budget-friendly meal that’s filling, flavorful, and easy to make. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (or 1 can of sliced potatoes, drained)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for extra flavor)

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (for a little heat)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Meat & Onions

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes).

5. Drain excess fat if needed, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

• In a small bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.

• (Optional) Stir in Worcestershire sauce or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

1. First Layer: Spread the sliced potatoes evenly in the greased baking dish.

2. Second Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the potatoes.

3. Third Layer: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture over the cheese.

4. Fourth Layer: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the beef.

5. Fifth Layer: Top with the remaining shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

• Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

• Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions (optional).

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

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Tips & Variations

✅ Make It Lighter: Use ground turkey and low-fat cheese to reduce calories.
✅ Vegetarian Option: Swap beef for lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
✅ Extra Crunch: Add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
✅ Slow Cooker Method: Layer ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours.

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Final Thoughts

This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers big flavor without the high cost.