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–+ servings
Poor Mans Stew from Mrs Mapp
Poor Man’s Stew is a practical, hearty casserole born from mid-century home cooking, when families relied on affordable ingredients and ingenuity to feed a table. This recipe combines frozen mixed vegetables, ground meat, and tomato sauce into a simple savory base, then finishes with a generous layer of cornbread baked right on top. The result is a comforting, filling one-dish meal that stretches ingredients without sacrificing flavor. It reflects a time when casseroles ruled American kitchens, easy to assemble, economical, and perfect for feeding a family with minimal fuss. The cornbread topping soaks up the juices below, creating a warm, spoonable supper that feels both humble and satisfying.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 10 oz frozen mixed vegetables (cooked and drained)
  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, browned)
  • 1 onion (medium, chopped)
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • cornbread batter (about 2 cups prepared batter)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables

  • Cook frozen mixed vegetables according to package directions
  • Drain well and set aside

Step 2: Brown the Meat

  • In a skillet, brown ground meat with chopped onion
  • Drain excess fat

Step 3: Combine the Filling

  • Add vegetables, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the meat
  • Stir well
  • Pour mixture into a greased 3-quart casserole dish

Step 4: Add Cornbread Topping

  • Prepare a generous batch of cornbread batter
  • Spread evenly over the meat mixture

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake at 400°F until cornbread is cooked through and golden, about 35–40 minutes

Tips

  • Use ground turkey for a lighter version
  • Add a can of drained corn for extra sweetness
  • Swap tomato sauce for diced tomatoes
  • Use cheddar cornbread for more richness
  • Add chili powder for a spicier stew
  • Make ahead and reheat for busy nights
  • Freeze baked portions for later meals
  • Serve with hot sauce or buttered greens

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 22gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 3200IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3.8mg
Keyword budget meal, casserole, comfort food, cornbread topping, one-dish dinner, vintage recipe
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