Poor Man'S Meal
A hearty and budget-friendly comfort dish featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel potatoes and cut into cubes.
- Boil potatoes in 2 quarts of water until tender.
- Drain potatoes.
- Add milk and margarine to potatoes and mash until smooth.
- Set mashed potatoes aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and chopped onion.
- Drain excess fat from the beef mixture.
- Spread the cooked ground beef evenly in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Distribute green beans evenly over the ground beef.
- Spread mashed potatoes over the green beans.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use half-and-half instead of milk when mashing the potatoes. You can substitute the ground beef with turkey or lentils for a lighter option. If you want to add more flavor, consider mixing in garlic powder or herbs into the beef. This dish can also be customized by adding other vegetables like corn or carrots for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Poor Man's Meal is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can serve it with a simple green salad or crusty bread for added texture. For a comforting touch, consider pairing it with a warm bowl of Busy Day Soup. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, as it can easily be doubled for larger crowds.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meal in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poor Man'S Meal contains roughly 1710 calories, with 44g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (87% of the Daily Value), calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and potassium (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1303mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling it in the baking dish without baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of green beans?
If you don't have green beans, you can use frozen mixed vegetables or any canned vegetable of your choice, such as corn or peas. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy dish. This flexibility makes it easy to adapt based on what you have on hand.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can create a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with lentils or meat alternatives like crumbled tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of meat, and add extra vegetables for flavor. This variation is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great option for vegetarians.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).