Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Poor Man’s Casserole

Poor Man’s Casserole

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using rice or potatoes and gluten-free ingredients)

Description

Poor Man’s Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly dish combining simple pantry staples like ground meat or vegetarian protein, starchy bases such as potatoes or pasta, canned tomatoes, vegetables, and cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty casserole perfect for quick weeknight dinners that nourish the body and soul with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or vegetarian substitute such as mushrooms or lentils)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh vegetables (carrots, peas, or green beans)

Starchy Base

  • 2 cups diced potatoes (peeled and evenly diced) or 8 oz cooked pasta (egg noodles recommended)

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried herbs (parsley, oregano, or a mix)

Cheese Topping

  • 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop onions, garlic, and vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Peel and dice potatoes evenly if using. Brown the ground meat or chosen protein in a skillet with some salt and pepper.
  2. Cook the Protein and Veggies: In a large pan, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add the browned ground meat or alternative protein and cook through. Toss in vegetables and cook until just tender.
  3. Mix with Starchy Base and Sauce: Add diced potatoes or cooked pasta into the pan. Pour in canned tomatoes or tomato sauce and stir gently to combine the ingredients.
  4. Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Cheese: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top to ensure a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
  5. Bake Until Hot and Bubbling: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and the potatoes are tender when pierced.

Notes

  • Evenly dice potatoes to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Drain excess fat after browning meat to avoid greasiness.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving to brighten flavors.
  • Cover casserole with foil for the first 15 minutes in the oven to retain moisture, then remove foil to brown the cheese.
  • Recipe scales well for doubling to feed larger groups or for leftovers.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350-400 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: Poor Man’s Casserole, budget-friendly casserole, easy casserole, ground meat casserole, vegetarian casserole, comfort food, quick dinner, baked casserole, hearty meal

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://savortrack.com/poor-mans-casserole/