There’s something truly comforting about a warm, hearty casserole, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with my Poor Man Husband Casserole! It’s a simple, one-dish wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. I remember my grandma making this dish for us when we were kids—she always said it was “good for the soul” and “easy on the wallet.” Trust me, this casserole is budget-friendly and so satisfying. Every bite brings back memories, and the best part? It’s totally customizable! You can throw in whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and crumbled
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, no need to thaw
- 2 cups cooked rice, any variety works
- 1 cup shredded cheese, I love using cheddar for extra flavor
- 1 onion, chopped finely for better blending
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, to add that delicious aroma
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t be shy with the seasoning!
How to Prepare the Poor Man Husband Casserole
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a skillet and place it over medium heat. This is where the magic begins! Make sure it’s hot enough to brown the beef nicely. Trust me, the sizzling sound as you cook will make your mouth water already!
Cook the Meat and Vegetables
Now it’s time to add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic to your skillet. Cook everything together for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. It’s such a delicious smell, isn’t it? Once it’s all cooked through, don’t forget to drain any excess fat—nobody wants a greasy casserole, right?
Combine the Ingredients
Next, you’ll add the fun part! Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, undrained diced tomatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, and the cooked rice. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance all those flavors. Just think about how good it’s going to taste! Pour this hearty mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake the Casserole
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, making it look all melty and inviting. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible—get ready to dig in!
Tips for Success
- Use Leftovers: Got leftover meat or veggies? Toss them in! It’s a great way to clean out the fridge and make this dish even more delicious.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, any cream soup will work. Try cream of chicken or even a cheesy soup for a different twist!
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix and match your cheeses. Mozzarella adds a nice stretch, while pepper jack gives it a kick!
- Adjust Cooking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your casserole. If your cheese isn’t bubbly after 30 minutes, give it a few more minutes but watch for browning.
- Make It Spicy: Want some heat? Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when mixing the ingredients.
- Freezing for Later: This casserole freezes beautifully! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly for the freezer.
- Serving Size: This dish feeds 4, but it’s easy to double if you’re expecting a crowd or want leftovers for the week!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this hearty Poor Man Husband Casserole packs a satisfying punch with approximately 400 calories. It contains about 20g of fat, with 10g being saturated fat, and boasts 25g of protein to keep you feeling full. You’ll also get around 30g of carbohydrates, including 3g of fiber. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on typical ingredients used, so your results may vary a bit depending on your choices!
FAQ About the Poor Man Husband Casserole
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this Poor Man Husband Casserole is its flexibility. You can swap in any veggies you have on hand—like bell peppers, corn, or broccoli. Just keep in mind that some vegetables might require a bit more cooking time to soften up, so adjust accordingly. The key is to mix flavors and textures that you enjoy, making it your own!
How can I make this casserole healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten up this dish, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also opt for low-fat cheese to cut down on calories and fat. Another tip is to add more vegetables to the mix—this not only enhances nutrition but also adds delicious flavor. You might even try using brown rice instead of white for some added fiber!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! This casserole freezes wonderfully. Just let it cool completely before dividing it into portions and wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. It’s a great way to have a quick meal ready for those busy days!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready to bake, perfect for busy evenings!
- Hearty Flavor: Each bite is packed with savory goodness from the ground beef, creamy soup, and melted cheese—it’s comfort food at its best!
- Budget-Friendly: This casserole is a great way to stretch your grocery budget while still feeding a family or a group.
- Endless Customization: Use whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it a flexible option for any pantry situation.
- One-Dish Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and relax after a long day.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day, making it a great choice for meal prep.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love this hearty dish, making it a surefire hit at the dinner table!
Serving Suggestions
To round out your Poor Man Husband Casserole meal, I love serving it with a simple side salad—think crisp romaine with a tangy vinaigrette to brighten the dish. You could also pair it with buttery garlic bread for that extra comfort food vibe! If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of steamed broccoli or green beans adds a pop of color and nutrition. Trust me, these sides will complement the casserole perfectly!
Print
Poor Man Husband Casserole: 7 Comforting Family-Favorite Tips
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Budget-friendly
Description
A simple and hearty casserole that is budget-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, mixed vegetables, and cooked rice. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Use leftover meat or vegetables if available.
- Can substitute cream of mushroom soup with other cream soups.
- Adjust cooking time based on your oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: poor man husband casserole, budget casserole, easy casserole
