Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
This hearty, budget-friendly casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting meal without breaking the bank. With ground beef, vegetables, cheese, and crispy tater tots, it’s a dish that brings together delicious, simple ingredients for a satisfying dinner. The creamy layers of savory beef and vegetables, topped with golden tater tots, make this casserole a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can green beans, drained
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (approximately 32 oz)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Assemble the casserole: In a greased baking dish (9×13 works well), layer the cooked beef and onion mixture. Spread a generous layer of cream of mushroom soup over the beef. Then, add the drained corn and green beans evenly over the soup. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the vegetables.
- Top with tater tots: Arrange a single layer of frozen tater tots on top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Description:
This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is a simple and hearty dish that combines classic comfort food ingredients into a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The ground beef provides a meaty base, while the cream of mushroom soup adds richness and creaminess. Corn and green beans bring a fresh vegetable touch, and the shredded cheddar cheese binds everything together in a deliciously gooey layer. The crispy tater tots on top provide the perfect crunch, making every bite a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips:
- Oven: To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent the tater tots from over-browning, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions on a microwave-safe plate for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use a different type of meat?
- Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage would be great substitutes for ground beef.
- Can I add more vegetables?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, carrots, or any vegetables you like.
- Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
- Yes! Just make sure to cook the green beans first before adding them to the casserole.
- Can I use a different kind of cheese?
- Yes, you can swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses.
- Can I use homemade cream of mushroom soup?
- Definitely! If you prefer homemade soup, it will work just as well.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Is this recipe spicy?
- No, this recipe is not spicy, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you like a kick.
- How many servings does this casserole make?
- This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people, depending on portion size.
- Can I use frozen tater tots?
- Yes, that’s exactly what this recipe calls for! Frozen tater tots are convenient and crispy when baked.
- Can I use a different type of canned soup?
- Yes, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery as a substitute for cream of mushroom.
- Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
- Yes, just make sure to cook the fresh corn beforehand.
- Do I need to thaw the tater tots before baking?
- No, you can place the frozen tater tots directly on top of the casserole without thawing.
- Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
- Yes! Use a plant-based ground meat substitute or omit the meat entirely and add more vegetables.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, make sure to use gluten-free tater tots and check the labels on the soup and other ingredients.
- What type of baking dish should I use?
- A 9×13-inch baking dish works well for this casserole.
- Can I add bacon to this recipe?
- Yes, crumbled bacon would add a nice smoky flavor to the casserole.
- Can I double the recipe?
- Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish for more servings.
- Can I add garlic or herbs?
- Absolutely! Garlic, thyme, or parsley would all add extra flavor.
- Can I freeze individual portions?
- Yes, portion the casserole into smaller servings and freeze them for an easy meal later.
- How long does this casserole take to cook?
- The casserole bakes in about 30-35 minutes, plus time for prep.
20 Best Tips to Make Poor Man’s Husband Casserole:
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content, or opt for ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Add sour cream for a creamier texture if desired.
- Use frozen mixed vegetables for a quick way to add variety to your casserole.
- Top with French fried onions before baking for extra crunch.
- Use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor, such as cheddar and mozzarella.
- Add a layer of mashed potatoes underneath the tater tots for a twist on the classic dish.
- Check the casserole during baking to ensure the tater tots don’t burn or get too dark.
- For extra protein, you can add some cooked bacon or sausage along with the ground beef.
- Use high-quality cream of mushroom soup for a richer taste, or opt for homemade.
- Don’t skip draining the canned vegetables to prevent the casserole from getting watery.
- Season the vegetables lightly with salt and pepper before adding them to the casserole.
- Add some shredded parmesan cheese on top before baking for added flavor.
- Try adding a bit of mustard to the cream of mushroom soup for a tangy kick.
- If you prefer less cheese, use just ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese to reduce the richness.
- Consider a mixture of frozen potatoes, such as hashbrowns or diced potatoes, instead of tater tots.
- Top the casserole with breadcrumbs mixed with butter for a crunchy topping.
- Use a bigger baking dish if you’re doubling the recipe to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
