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Poor Man’s Casserole

Poor Man’s Casserole

Poor Man’s Casserole is a quick, budget-friendly, and hearty dish combining simple pantry staples. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting casserole features ground meat, vegetables, pasta or rice, and melted cheese, making it perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to suit various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
  • Optional: cooked sausage, bacon, or shredded chicken for variation

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 cups frozen or fresh vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, spinach)

Canned Goods

  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

Carbohydrates

  • 2 cups cooked pasta or rice (or gluten-free pasta, quinoa, or cauliflower rice)

Dairy

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Herbs such as parsley, basil, or mixed Italian herbs, to taste
  • Optional: chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick
  • Optional: splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the onions, garlic, and vegetables. Crumble the ground meat if used. Pre-cook pasta or rice according to package instructions, cooking pasta al dente to prevent mushiness.
  2. Sauté the Base: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add ground meat and brown thoroughly, breaking apart lumps. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Vegetables: Stir in canned tomatoes followed by your choice of vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Mix in the Pasta or Rice: Combine cooked pasta or rice with the meat and vegetable mixture, stirring well to distribute evenly. Adjust seasonings as needed.
  5. Transfer and Top with Cheese: Pour mixture into a casserole dish and evenly sprinkle shredded cheese on top to form a gooey crust when baked.
  6. Bake Until Bubbly: Place casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown on top.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat after browning meat to prevent greasiness.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end to enhance flavor.
  • Cook pasta al dente before adding to avoid mushy texture.
  • Mix different cheeses (mozzarella, cheddar) for extra gooeyness.
  • Add a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce to deepen umami.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American Comfort Food
  • Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free pasta or alternatives)

Nutrition

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

Keywords: Poor Man’s Casserole, quick casserole, budget meal, comfort food, easy dinner, one-pot meal, gluten free casserole, vegetarian option