Poor Man Husband Casserole

Poor Man Husband Casserole is a simple, budget-friendly dish that’s hearty and comforting, typically made with ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy sauce. It’s a great way to stretch ingredients and feed a crowd. Here’s a classic recipe for this casserole:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly (about 1/8 inch thick)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes thinly. You can use a mandoline slicer for even slices.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Add the onion: Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until softened.
3. Season: Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using). Stir to combine.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Combine the soup and milk: In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream (if using), and milk until smooth.
2. Mix with the beef: Add this mixture to the cooked beef and onions. Stir everything together until combined and heated through.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

1. Layer the potatoes: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of the sliced potatoes along the bottom of the dish.
2. Layer with beef mixture: Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
3. Repeat the layers: Add another layer of potatoes on top of the beef, followed by the remaining beef mixture. Finish with a final layer of potatoes.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

1. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
2. Uncover and bake further: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

1. Cool slightly: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
2. Serve: Slice and serve warm!

Tips and Variations:

• Add vegetables: You can mix in vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to make it a more complete meal.
• Spicy version: Add a little hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
• Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.

Poor Man Husband Casserole is a great comfort food dish that’s easy to make, filling, and affordable. Enjoy!