Description
Hearty “Poor Man’s Husband” casserole delivers comfort with budget-friendly ingredients and rich, satisfying flavors. Layers of ground beef, creamy sauce, and tender noodles create a classic family meal that promises warmth and deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Dairy and Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Sauté ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until meat browns completely and onions soften, approximately 7-10 minutes.
- Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring even distribution of spices.
- Whisk cream of mushroom soup and milk in a separate bowl until achieving a smooth, consistent texture.
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
- Create the first layer by arranging sliced potatoes across the bottom of the dish in an even pattern.
- Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture directly over the potato layer, creating a uniform second layer.
- Carefully pour the creamy soup mixture across the entire casserole, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty surface.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and potatoes to soften.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps settle the layers and intensify flavors.
Notes
- Potato Perfection: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and even cooking.
- Lean Meat Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this hearty casserole.
- Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Hack: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with a homemade gluten-free version or use cornstarch to thicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 491 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 617 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg