Ah, “Poor Man’s Husband Casserole” sounds like one of those fun, tongue-in-cheek names for a hearty, budget-friendly dish that’s simple, filling, and uses whatever affordable ingredients you have on hand. I can help you come up with a recipe for it! Here’s a classic version idea:
Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10–15 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
- 2 cups cooked rice (or pasta)
- 1–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar works best)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp paprika or chili powder for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground meat with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Mix sauce: In a large bowl, combine the soup, milk, cooked meat mixture, vegetables, and rice. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve hot with a side salad or bread.
💡 Tips/Variations
- Swap the rice for mashed potatoes on top for a shepherd’s pie vibe.
- Use leftover cooked meats or veggies to make it even cheaper.
- Add a crunchy topping: crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with a little butter.
This dish is cheap, filling, and even picky eaters usually love it—hence the humorous name!
If you want, I can also make a vegetarian “Poor Man’s Husband Casserole” version that’s just as hearty and budget-friendly. Do you want me to do that?
