Growing up, my grandmother delighted our family with a comforting casserole she fondly called “Poor Man Husband Casserole.” This cherished dish holds a special place in my heart, symbolizing not only a delicious meal but also the resourcefulness and creativity found in the kitchen.

The name may raise eyebrows, but there’s a delightful story behind it. My grandmother, a master of thrift and ingenuity, crafted this recipe during lean times when stretching ingredients was a necessity. She needed a meal that could satisfy hunger without straining the budget. Thus, the Poor Man Husband Casserole was born.

Imagine layers of flavorful ground beef cooked with onions and garlic, bathed in a hearty tomato sauce, and crowned with creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheese. As it bakes, the aroma fills the kitchen, tantalizing your senses. The golden crust on the mashed potatoes provides a satisfying crunch, while the melding of cheese and savory meat beneath promises pure bliss with every forkful.

Why should you try this recipe? Because it pays homage to tradition and frugality while bringing warmth and togetherness to your table. It’s a testament to the magic of kitchen creativity, proving that even with simple ingredients, you can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or seeking solace in a comforting meal, the Poor Man Husband Casserole is the perfect choice.

Now, let’s dive into the recipe for Poor Man Husband Casserole:

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from 2 pounds of potatoes)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Meanwhile, prepare the mashed potatoes using your preferred method. You can boil the potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Transfer the ground beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture, spreading them to cover the entire surface.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.