Food

Comfort on a Budget: Hardtimes Hot Dish Recipe, Not Just for Hard Times

May 21, 2023

Are you trying to stretch your grocery store budget? Try this Hearty Potato and Hamburger Hot Dish Recipe.

In times when we need to stretch our resources, finding comfort in a delicious and budget-friendly meal becomes essential. This blog post introduces a recipe that embodies the spirit of resilience and nourishment: Potato and Hamburger Hot Dish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying and comforting dish that will warm your heart and fill your belly. Let's dive into this recipe and embrace the joy of making the most of what we have.

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can pork and beans
  • 1 can tomato soup
  • 1/2 onion, finely diced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the finely diced onion and continue cooking until the onion becomes tender and translucent.
  3. Drain any excess grease from the skillet and return it to the heat. Stir in the pork and beans, along with the tomato soup. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  5. Pour half of the beef and bean mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out to cover them completely.
  6. Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes and beef and bean mixture, creating another layer.
  7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
  8. Once cooked, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the hot dish cool for a few minutes before serving.


Variations and Tips:

  • Feel free to add extra vegetables such as peas, carrots, or corn to the dish for added texture and flavor.
  • For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese on top during the final minutes of baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.


In times of frugality, the Hard Times Hot Dish offers a comforting and economical meal that fills the stomach and warms the soul. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that reminds us of the power of resourcefulness and resilience. Embrace the simplicity and nourishment this recipe provides, and let it be a reminder that even in challenging times, we can find comfort and contentment in the meals we share with loved ones.

May this Potato and Hamburger Hot Dish bring you warmth, comfort, and the reassurance that we can overcome any hardship with creativity, resilience, and a humble appreciation for the simple joys in life.