These poor man's recipes are just the thing when you're low on ingredients but want a tasty, satisfying dish.
As much as I love an elaborate layered cake or a multi-course feast for dinner, sometimes I just need to keep things simple. But that doesn’t mean I want something flavorless. Luckily for me, there are poor man’s recipes.
Made without fuss, poor man’s recipes come from the scrappy cooking techniques of the 1930s. That means using simple, straightforward ingredients for a hearty meal. And if you don’t have a listed ingredient, you can just opt to make things work with what you have instead of heading out to the store.
These Depression-era dishes are made with pantry staples like saltine crackers, condensed soup and potatoes for satisfying casseroles and slow-cooker meals that even picky eaters will enjoy. There are even simple desserts made with just two ingredients and no eggs, butter or milk so you can enjoy a sweet treat even when your fridge is nearly empty.
Whether your budget has gotten tighter or you just don’t have the energy to go to the grocery store, these poor man’s recipes are here to help!
1/7
Poor Man’s Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
In the 1930s, producers of a popular radio program called “Jake and Lena” invited listeners to write in for this recipe. My mother changed the name from Jake and Lena Cookies to Poor Man’s Cookies because they contain no eggs, milk or nuts. Despite the name, the cookies are rich in taste! —Georgia Perrine, Bremerton, Washington
2/7
Poor Man’s Steak
From the Recipe Creator:
These flavorful “steaks” fit into everybody’s budget. A special friend shared the recipe, and I think of her each time I make it. —Susan Wright, Mineral Wells, West Virginia
3/7
Poor Man’s Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Don't let the name fool you, because poor man's casserole is actually rich and delicious. It has layers of creamy noodles, beef sauce and melted cheese. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
4/7
Poor Man’s Meal
From the Recipe Creator:
This poor man's meal recipe guarantees million-dollar taste with just a few ingredients. —Mila Abner, Vada, Kentucky
5/7
Poor Man’s Hash
From the Recipe Creator:
My best memories about this recipe include everyone who has ever eaten it thinking it’s great! The recipe is over 75 years old, and I learned it from my mother. —Dorothy Broyles, Peterstown, West Virginia
6/7
Poor Man’s Panna Cotta
This viral two-ingredient dessert combines Jell-O and Greek yogurt into something unexpectedly creamy.
7/7
Poor Man’s Cake
This recipe was first created in the 1930s, during the Great Depression. At that time, dairy products were considered a luxury, so Americans sought recipes that could do without.
