Description
The Poor Man Husband Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly dish made with simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese. This layered casserole combines hearty flavors with a golden, crispy topping, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying family meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need an affordable crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers warmth and nostalgia in every bite.
Ingredients
Essential ingredients
Ground meat: Commonly, ground beef is used, but you can opt for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative if preferred.
Potatoes: Choose russet, Yukon Gold, or any variety you have on hand. They form the hearty base of the casserole.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar is the classic choice, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend works well too.
Vegetables: Frozen or canned options like peas, carrots, or green beans are perfect for adding flavor and nutrition.
Condensed soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup is often used to bind the casserole together, creating a creamy texture.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are common, but feel free to add herbs like parsley or thyme for extra depth.
Optional Add-Ons
Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers: For a crunchy topping.
Sour cream or mayonnaise: To enhance creaminess.
Additional proteins: Cooked bacon or sausage can add variety.
Instructions
Peel and slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat. Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Prepare the vegetables by thawing frozen ones or draining canned options. Fresh vegetables should be diced and lightly steamed to soften.
Layer the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping each slice.
Distribute the cooked ground beef in an even layer over the potatoes.
Add the vegetables as the next layer, ensuring even distribution for balanced flavor.
Pour the condensed soup over the layers. If the soup is too thick, mix it with a bit of milk or water beforehand.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top, covering the entire surface.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to melt the cheese and achieve a golden, bubbly topping.
Test the potatoes for tenderness by inserting a fork into them. If they are tender, the casserole is ready.
Scoop generous portions onto plates and serve with a side salad or bread for a complete meal.
Notes
Layering Precision: Ensure each layer is spread evenly for consistent cooking and flavor distribution throughout the casserole. Uneven layers can result in undercooked or overly dry sections.
Meat Drainage: After browning the ground meat, thoroughly drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming overly oily.
Potato Thickness: Slice the potatoes uniformly, ideally 1/4 inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly. Use a mandoline slicer for precise cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/6 of the casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Poor Man Husband Casserole, budget-friendly casserole, easy family dinner, layered casserole recipe