Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set the skillet aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the Potatoes: In the prepared casserole dish, layer the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. You can slightly overlap them for better coverage.
- Add the Beef Mixture: Spread the cooked ground beef and onions over the layer of potatoes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth. If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a little extra soup or reduce the amount of milk.
- Pour the Sauce Over: Pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes, making sure it covers everything.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the casserole with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh flavor.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that goes well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
Why You’ll Love Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
- Budget-Friendly: This casserole is perfect for feeding a family on a tight budget. It uses inexpensive ingredients that are easily found at most grocery stores.
- Hearty and Filling: With layers of potatoes, ground beef, and cheesy goodness, this casserole is filling and sure to keep everyone satisfied.
- Easy to Make: There’s minimal prep work involved, and everything cooks in one dish, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
- Customizable: Feel free to add extra vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn to the casserole to add more flavor and nutrition. You can also swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Tips for Success:
- Thinly Slice the Potatoes: To ensure that the potatoes cook evenly, slice them as thinly as possible. You can use a mandolin slicer to get uniform slices.
- Use Leftover Meat: If you have leftover roast beef, turkey, or chicken, you can easily substitute it for the ground beef in this recipe.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
Variations to Try:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for a mixture of sautéed vegetables, like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini, for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy Version: Add a bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to give the casserole a spicy kick.
- Creamy Mushroom Sauce: Instead of using cream of mushroom soup, you can make your own creamy mushroom sauce using sautéed mushrooms, cream, and broth for an extra-rich flavor.
This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is an all-time family favorite that combines simplicity, flavor, and affordability. It’s one of those recipes that proves that you don’t have to spend a lot to make a satisfying, comforting meal. Whether you’re on a budget or simply looking for a quick and easy dinner, this casserole has got you covered!