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Poor Man's Husband Casserole: A Hearty, Budget-Friendly Classic 🍲💵


 

1. Brown the Meat & Onions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  • In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until meat is browned. Drain excess fat.

  • Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Layer the Casserole

  • In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer.

  • Top with all of the cooked beef mixture.

  • Add the remaining potatoes on top.

3. Make the Sauce & Bake

  • In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour evenly over the casserole.

  • Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

  • Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese, and bake 10-15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

  • Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.


Pro Tips for the Best Casserole

💰 Stretch it further – Add an extra potato or a can of drained beans.
🧀 Cheese variations – Try pepper jack for spice or mozzarella for stretchiness.
🍽 Make it a meal – Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
⏳ Meal prep friendly – Assemble ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.


FAQs

❓ Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?

Yes! Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the beef, then mix with ½ cup broth + 2 tbsp flour to replace the soup.

❓ Can I make this without potatoes?

Swap with egg noodles, rice, or even cauliflower for a low-carb version.

❓ How do I store leftovers?

  • Fridge: Up to 4 days (reheat in microwave or oven).

  • Freezer: Up to 3 months (thaw overnight before reheating).

❓ Why is it called "Husband Casserole"?

Legend says it was named because it’s cheap, filling, and guaranteed to please even picky eaters—like husbands!