Poor Man's Casserole

Cozy, comforting, and easy on the wallet, Poor Man's Casserole is the ultimate budget-friendly dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This hearty dish layers tender slices of russet potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy blend of mushroom soup and milk, all crowned with gooey cheddar cheese. With just 20 minutes of prep and a quick bake in the oven, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd. Plus, the optional paprika garnish adds a subtle warmth and a pop of color to this family favorite. Whether you're looking for an affordable dinner idea or a nostalgic comfort food recipe, this casserole checks all the boxes!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 1 as needed cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease.

Step 4

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion is softened.

Step 5

Season the beef mixture with salt and black pepper, then remove it from the heat.

Step 6

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Whisk until smooth.

Step 7

Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 8

Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potato layer, followed by half of the soup mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over this layer.

Step 9

Repeat the layering process using the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, soup mixture, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.

Step 10

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle paprika on top for a pop of color.

Step 13

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2554.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3163.4

Total Fat 170.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 87.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g
Cholesterol 597.4mg	0%
Sodium 5366.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 260.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.8g	0%
Total Sugars 34.5g
Protein 173.2g	0%

Vitamin D 192.8IU	0%
Calcium 2378.2mg	0%
Iron 15.3mg	0%
Potassium 7000.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.0%

Protein: 21.2%

Carbs: 31.8%