If you’re ever in the mood for a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and totally budget-friendly, then Poor Man’s Casserole is your new best friend. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel all warm and cozy without breaking the bank. Packed with simple ingredients and tons of flavor, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or just need to stretch your dinner budget, this is one recipe that won’t disappoint. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy it is to make, and how much flavor it brings to the table!
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Why You’ll Love Poor Man’s Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about making something delicious without the fuss. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Budget-Friendly: With just a few basic ingredients, this casserole is a great way to feed a family without spending a lot. It’s the definition of “cheap eats” that taste amazing.
- Hearty and Filling: This dish is packed with everything you need to leave you satisfied. It’s the kind of meal that will stick with you and keep you full for hours.
- Quick and Simple: With minimal prep and easy-to-follow steps, this casserole is perfect for those busy nights when you don’t have time for something complicated but still want something homemade and comforting.
- One-Dish Wonder: You can make it all in one pan—no need to dirty up a ton of dishes. It’s the ultimate convenience food.
- Customizable: Got picky eaters? You can easily swap ingredients to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Want a little more cheese? No problem.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of Poor Man’s Casserole—it’s made with just a few simple pantry staples, but the result is much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
- Ground Beef: The meaty base that provides a rich, savory flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works too.
- Potatoes: Thinly sliced, they form the hearty base of this casserole and absorb all the yummy flavors from the beef and seasonings.
- Onion: Chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creamy, rich ingredient brings everything together, making the casserole comforting and indulgent.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melty, gooey cheese is a must to give this casserole that irresistible, comforting finish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course. Simple seasoning goes a long way in bringing out the flavors.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks for even texture. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Prepare the Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish with a little butter or non-stick spray.
4. Layer the Ingredients: Start by layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Season with salt and pepper, then layer half of the cooked beef and onion mixture on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
5. Add the Soup: Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the casserole, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole for that melty, gooey goodness.
7. Bake to Perfection: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
How to Serve Poor Man’s Casserole
This dish is so filling that it can easily stand on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:
- Simple Salad: Pair it with a crisp green salad to add some freshness to the rich casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is a perfect side to help scoop up any leftover cheesy sauce.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted or steamed vegetables like carrots, peas, or broccoli would make a great addition for some color and extra nutrients.
- As a Standalone: This casserole is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Just serve it in a big dish and let everyone dig in!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add in your favorite veggies, like carrots, peas, or corn, to give the casserole a little extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use Leftover Potatoes: If you have leftover mashed potatoes, you can spread them on top for an even creamier casserole.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven to keep the cheese melted and the potatoes tender.
- Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight and bake until hot.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage will work well in this recipe. Just adjust the seasoning to suit the meat.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! You can skip the meat entirely and use a plant-based substitute, or add extra veggies like mushrooms or beans for protein.
Q3: Can I add more cheese?
A3: Of course! If you love cheesy casseroles, feel free to add more cheese, or even use a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.
Q4: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A4: Yes! Frozen hashbrowns or sliced potatoes work great in this dish. Just be sure to thaw them before using.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q6: Can I make this casserole in advance?
A6: Yes! Prepare it the day before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Q7: Can I use a different soup?
A7: Yes, you can use other creamy soups like cream of chicken or cream of celery if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Q8: Can I add extra veggies?
A8: Absolutely! Feel free to add frozen peas, corn, or carrots to the casserole to make it even more filling.
Q9: How can I make this dish spicier?
A9: Add some hot sauce, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a little extra heat.
Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes! Just use a larger casserole dish and increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Conclusion
Poor Man’s Casserole is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or expensive cuts of meat to make a delicious meal. This dish is all about simplicity, comfort, and the joy of sharing a hearty meal with those you love. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to dig into some serious comfort food!
Print
Poor Man’s Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty and comforting casserole combines egg noodles, ground beef, a creamy mixture of sour cream and cream cheese, topped with cheddar cheese for an easy and delicious meal. Perfect for feeding a crowd on a budget!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cans (30 ounces) tomato sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, then drain and rinse.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until thoroughly cooked, then drain the grease.
- Season the Beef:
- Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef, stirring to blend well.
- Add Tomato Sauce:
- Stir in the sugar, then pour in the tomato sauce and stir again. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Cream Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and softened cream cheese.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Place half of the cooked pasta in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sour cream and cream cheese mixture. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the sour cream layer.
- Layer the Remaining Ingredients:
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sour cream, and meat mixture.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg