Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

Here’s a comforting and budget-friendly recipe for Poor Man’s Husband Casserole—a hearty dish that’s easy on the wallet but full of flavor!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
• 1 can (15 oz) of cream of mushroom soup (or any cream soup you prefer)
• 1 can (15 oz) of mixed vegetables or peas and carrots
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works well)
• 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil)
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, or dried herbs for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onions with the cream of mushroom soup, mixed vegetables, milk, and season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or paprika. Stir to combine.
4. Layer the casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Pour the beef and soup mixture over the potatoes and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
5. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown.
6. Serve and enjoy! Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. It pairs well with a simple salad or some bread on the side.

This casserole is filling, budget-friendly, and can be easily customized with what you have on hand!