Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a budget-friendly, hearty dish that combines inexpensive ingredients into a satisfying meal. It typically includes ground beef, potatoes, and simple pantry items like canned vegetables and cream of soup, all baked together into a comforting casserole. Here’s a classic version of this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups frozen or canned mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced (or 1 bag frozen hashbrowns)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using fresh potatoes)
• Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Prepare the Casserole Layer:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk, stirring until smooth. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix in the cooked beef and onion mixture.
4. Layer the Casserole:
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. If using fresh potatoes, arrange the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Layer half of the frozen or canned mixed vegetables on top of the potatoes. Spread the beef and soup mixture over the vegetables. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5. Optional Topping:
   • If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese layer.
6. Bake the Casserole:
   • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve:
   • Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or crusty bread.

Tips:

• Customize the veggies: Use whatever frozen or canned vegetables you have on hand. Green beans, corn, and peas are all great choices.
• Make ahead: You can prepare this casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Add extra cheese: For an even cheesier casserole, sprinkle additional cheese on top before baking.

This dish is perfect for feeding a family on a budget, and it’s easy to make with pantry staples! Enjoy!