Delicious and Budget-Friendly \
Gather around the table for a delicious and budget-friendly meal that’s sure to please the whole family – the “poor man’s husband” casserole. This classic dish has been a crowd-pleaser for generations, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that won’t break the bank.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this “poor man’s husband” casserole apart is its ability to transform simple, inexpensive ingredients into a truly comforting and flavorful meal. The combination of creamy, cheesy goodness, tender vegetables, and hearty protein creates a dish that’s both satisfying and economical. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this “poor man’s husband” casserole is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of ground beef, rice, and creamy soup creates the comforting, hearty flavor profile that has made these types of casserole recipes perennially popular.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 3: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and onions, cream of mushroom soup, milk, uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, and frozen peas. Stir until well-mixed.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Step 6: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 50 minutes
• Total time: 65 minutes
Compared to traditional shepherd’s pie or beef and noodle casserole, which can take up to 90 minutes to prepare, this “poor man’s husband” casserole saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 858mg
These “poor man’s husband” casseroles provide approximately 46% of your daily protein requirements and 18% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🥬 Make It Even Healthier
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower rice for the regular rice to create a lower-carb alternative.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Added protein: Mix in cooked and crumbled turkey or chicken for an extra boost of protein.
• Boost vegetables: Add more frozen vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the “poor man’s husband” casserole.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with crusty garlic bread or biscuits to soak up the delicious casserole juices.
• Complement the casserole with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables for a more balanced plate.
⚠️ Cooking Pitfalls to Skip
• Using too much liquid: Resist the temptation to add extra milk or soup, as this can result in a watery, soupy consistency.
• Skipping the pre-cooking: Don’t skip the step of cooking the ground beef and onions before assembling the casserole, as this ensures the meat is fully cooked and the onions are softened.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These “poor man’s husband” casseroles retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely, then slice and wrap individual portions in foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This “poor man’s husband” casserole is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months, then thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Can I substitute different ingredients?
Yes, you can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef, and different types of cheese or dairy-free alternatives can be substituted. You can also experiment with adding extra vegetables or using different types of canned tomatoes.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make the “poor man’s husband” casserole healthier, you can use reduced-fat or low-fat cream of mushroom soup, low-fat cheddar cheese, and substitute cauliflower rice for the regular rice. You can also increase the amount of vegetables and add extra protein, such as cooked and crumbled turkey or chicken.
What if the casserole turns out too dry or too wet?
If the casserole seems too dry, you can add a bit more milk or cream of mushroom soup to the mixture before baking. Conversely, if it’s too wet, you can try baking it for a few more minutes to allow the excess liquid to evaporate. Adjusting the baking time and adding or reducing the liquid can help you achieve the perfect consistency.
Can I add any extra ingredients or variations?
Absolutely! This “poor man’s husband” casserole is very versatile. You can mix in diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or even some diced bacon for extra flavor. You can also top the casserole with crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or a crunchy onion topping for a nice texture contrast.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These “poor man’s husband” casseroles represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and affordability. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting weeknight dinner or a satisfying potluck dish, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty, satisfying texture. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a true crowd-pleasing classic.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these “poor man’s husband” casseroles demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So gather your family around the table and enjoy the deliciousness of this budget-friendly and satisfying dish.
Delicious and Budget-Friendly \
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and onions, cream of mushroom soup, milk, uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, and frozen peas. Stir until well-mixed.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
