• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Meals With Maria
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
    • Kid Favorites
    • Busy Mom Meal Prep
    • High-Protein Dinners
    • Slow Cooker and Freezer Meals
    • Snacks & Sweets
    • From Scratch
  • Shop
    • The Meal Plan App for Real, Good Food
  • About Me
Home » Recipes » This Poor Man’s Meal Is A Classic Easy Dish

This Poor Man’s Meal Is A Classic Easy Dish

Filed Under: Dinner July 6, 2024

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

When it comes to budget-friendly, delicious, and quick meals, nothing beats a good Poor Man’s Meal. This versatile recipe is perfect for using up leftovers or pantry staples, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or pantry challenges. Let’s dive into the different alternatives you can use to make this meal truly your own.

Ready To Save $200 and Reduce Food Waste THIS MONTH?

Did you know you can save an entire grocery bill each month by simply skipping the store and participating in a pantry challenge? My FREE Pantry Challenge Checklist will guide you to savings and help you make the most of what you already have!

Click the link below to access your free checklist before it’s gone on 7/14. Don’t miss out on these amazing savings!

Get Your Free Checklist HERE!

The Beauty of Versatility

One of the best things about Poor Man’s Meal is how adaptable it is. Here are some variations and tips to customize the recipe with whatever you have on hand:

1. Hamburger Meat

  • Leftover Cooked Burgers: If you have leftover hamburgers from a barbecue, chop them up and use them instead of raw ground beef. It adds a great smoky flavor and reduces waste.
  • Raw Ground Beef: If you’re starting with raw ground beef, simply brown it in the skillet before adding other ingredients.

2. Potatoes

  • Cooked Potatoes: Leftover cooked potatoes work perfectly. Dice them up and toss them into the skillet.
  • Frozen Potatoes or Hashbrowns: These are convenient and cook quickly. Just add them directly to the skillet.
  • Fresh Potatoes: If you only have fresh potatoes, parboil them in the microwave to save time. Here’s how:
    • Dice the potatoes.
    • Place them in a microwave-safe bowl with a bit of water.
    • Cover and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes until they are partially cooked.

3. Corn

  • Fresh Corn: Cut kernels off the cob if you have fresh corn.
  • Frozen Corn: A quick and easy option. No need to thaw; just add it straight to the skillet.
  • Canned Corn: Drain and rinse before using.

4. Cheese

  • Any Cheese You Have: Whether it’s shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even a mix, any cheese will do.
  • Sliced Cheese: If you only have cheese slices, simply tear them into pieces and stir them in until melted.
  • Cheeseless: If you don’t have any cheese, no worries! This meal is still delicious without it.

Perfect for Pantry Challenges

This meal shines during a pantry challenge. The goal is to use what you already have and get creative with leftovers. It’s satisfying, nutritious, and reduces food waste. Plus, it’s a great way to involve the whole family in the cooking process. Learn how to do a pantry challenge here!

Recipe: Poor Man’s Meal

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1 lb hamburger meat (can be cooked, can even be made from leftover hamburgers)
  • 1 1/2 cups diced potatoes (cooked, frozen, or parboiled fresh)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup cheese (any kind, optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat the Oil:
    • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over high heat in a large skillet.
  2. Cook the Onion:
    • Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes translucent.
  3. Cook the Beef:
    • If using raw beef, add it to the skillet now and sauté until browned.
    • If using cooked beef, proceed to the next step.
  4. Add Potatoes and Spices:
    • Add the diced potatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to the skillet.
    • Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring every minute or so to crisp up the potatoes.
  5. Add Corn:
    • Add 1 cup of corn to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add Cooked Beef:
    • If using cooked beef, add it to the skillet now.
    • Use a meat chopper to break it up and cook for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
  7. Add Cheese:
    • If using cheese, add 1/4 – 1/2 cup to the skillet and mix until melted.
  8. Serve:
    • Serve hot with ketchup on the side.

Enjoy your Poor Man’s Meal!

Whether you’re on a pantry challenge or just trying to make the most of what you have, this Poor Man’s Meal is a perfect solution. It’s hearty, delicious, and incredibly flexible. Give it a try and see how creative you can get with your leftovers!

MORE POOR MAN’S RECIPES TO EXPLORE

  • 4 Different Poor Man’s Meals
  • Poor Mama’s Cheeseburgers
  • Poor Man’s Casserole

CHECK OUT THESE SPRING COOKING VIDEOS ON MEALS WITH MARIA:

  • 13 Budget Friendly Easter RecipesWorth Trying
  • Spring In Your Crock Pot
  • 3 Viral Recipes to Make This Spring
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Poor Man’s Meal


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

This hearty and budget-friendly Poor Man’s Meal is perfect for using up leftover ingredients. Combining hamburger meat, crispy potatoes, sweet corn, and savory spices, this dish is a comforting and delicious meal that can be prepared quickly and easily.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1 lb hamburger meat (can be cooked, can even be made from leftover hamburgers)
  • 1 1/2 cups diced potatoes (cooked)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup corn (can be fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup cheese (any kind will do, optional)

Instructions

  • Heat the Oil:

    • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over high heat in a large skillet.
  • Cook the Onion:

    • Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes translucent.
  • Cook the Beef:

    • If using raw beef, add it to the skillet now and sauté until browned.
    • If using cooked beef, proceed to the next step.
  • Add Potatoes and Spices:

    • Add the diced potatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to the skillet.
    • Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring every minute or so to crisp up the potatoes.
  • Add Corn:

    • Add 1 cup of corn to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add Cooked Beef:

    • If using cooked beef, add it to the skillet now.
    • Use a meat chopper to break it up and cook for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
  • Add Cheese:

    • If using cheese, add 1/4 – 1/2 cup to the skillet and mix until melted.
  • Serve:

    • Serve hot with ketchup on the side.
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag Meals With Maria — I can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • The Best Bakery Style Banana and Blackberry Muffins With Crumble Topping
    brunch · Mother’s Day · Snacks & Sweets · Summer
    May 30, 2025

    The Best Bakery Style Banana and Blackberry Muffins With Crumble Topping

  • The Most Delicious Sourdough Pie Crust You’ll Ever Make (Including Sourdough Discard!)
    From Scratch
    May 29, 2025

    The Most Delicious Sourdough Pie Crust You’ll Ever Make (Including Sourdough Discard!)

  • The Best Strawberry Rhubarb Galette Recipe
    4th of July · brunch · dessert · Father’s Day · Memorial Day · Snacks & Sweets · Sourdough · Summer
    May 29, 2025

    The Best Strawberry Rhubarb Galette Recipe

  • Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls – A Flavorful and Juicy Chicken & Rice Bowl Recipe
    Busy Mom Meal Prep · High-Protein Dinners · Summer
    May 22, 2025

    Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls – A Flavorful and Juicy Chicken & Rice Bowl Recipe

In compliance with FTC guidelines, please assume the following about all links, material on this website/videos: Any/all of the links on site/video are affiliate links of which Maria Ronan receives product credit or a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you.

Maria Ronan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Links on this site may include affiliate links to Amazon and its affiliate sites on which the owner of this website will make a referral commission. Thank you for supporting Meals With Maria! My videos and website are for entertainment purposes only. Any information related to food, food safety, cooking, recipes, etc. are my opinions only. Maria Ronan is not liable and/or responsible for any advice, services, or product you obtain through this video and website.

Tagged With: beef, corn, ground beef, leftovers, one pot, one skillet, poor man, potatoes, weeknight

Previous Post: « Family Friendly Meal Plan: 7/1-7/7
Next Post: 7 Delicious Rollover Recipes to Transform Your Leftovers »

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to Meals with Maria! I’m Maria, a passionate home cook and mom on a mission to help you make everyday healthy meals simple, and holiday indulgence special. As a wife and mother of three boys, I know how important it is to balance nourishing your family with meals that are easy to prepare and budget-friendly — while still savoring the joy of holiday treats and meals out. Read More…

Find me on Instagarm, Youtube, and more!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Footer

Pages

  • Clean Eating Tips
  • Clean Eating Tips
  • Clean Snacks & Sweets
  • Contact
  • E-Books
  • Favorites
  • Freezer and Slow Cooker Meals
  • Freezer Meal Plans
  • High-Protein Dinners
  • Ingredient Swaps
  • Kid Favorites
  • Lunchbox and Sides
  • Pantry Meals
  • Pantry Staples List
  • Plus App
  • Recipes
  • Sample Page
  • Seasonal Meal Plans
  • Start Here
  • The Meal Plan App for Real, Good Food
  • Weekly Meal Plans
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Copyright © 2025 Meals With Maria on the Foodie Pro Theme