Depression Casserole

Why Wait For a Depression?

This recipe for Depression Casserole is another favorite in our house.  My son loves the tomatoes, my husband loves how filling it is, and I love the price.  It is a recipe that, with many variations, was a staple during the Depression Era.  This is my favorite go-to recipe when I am nearing the end of the month and we are down to the bare essentials in the refrigerator and cabinets.  I say, why wait for times to get really tough to start eating cheap?  Go ahead and start now, then enjoy banking the bucks for a rainy day.

Depression Casserole

• 1 lb hamburger (or 1/2 lb hamburger & 1/4 lb lentils or only 1/2 lb lentils)
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 large potatoes, sliced thin
• 1 t. salt
• 1/4 t. paprika
• 1 stalk celery, chopped (optional)
• 1 to 2 T. butter
• 2 c. chopped tomatoes or 16 oz. canned tomatoes

Crumble raw hamburger in the bottom of a large casserole dish.  If using lentils, cook first by boiling in water until soft (about 20 minutes).  Add lentils, carrots, onions, potatoes, salt, paprika, and celery.  Mix well.  Dot with butter.  Pour on tomatoes.  Cover with aluminum foil and bake for one hour at 350 degrees or until potatoes are soft.

Feel free to have fun with this recipe.  Use whatever spices you have in the cupboard or any leftover vegetables you have laying around.  You can also add cooked brown rice for a great source of whole grain.

I am linking up with Life In A Shoe.  Head on over to check out more great frugal bean recipes!