Starting A New Series: Depression-Era Meals

 Our ancestors had it hard during the Great Depression. They lost their savings, and often their livelihoods, as well. If you were lucky, your mortgage was paid, and you had enough to cover taxes. If you weren't, you lost your home and moved in with relatives...or took to the road. 

     Even during those difficult times, people enjoyed hearty, filling meals. In the next week or so, we'll give some of those traditional recipes. They're not only delicious, but great on the budget, too. 

Starting out -- this easy hamburger casserole. It's quickly made; the recipe provider (from Food.com) says,

    I got this recipe from an elderly neighbor a few years ago and my son frequently requests it! The name, my neighbor said, came from the days of the Great Depression, when stretching everything was a must. It's quick, easy, cheap to make and very good, too! The mashed potatoes are a guess - fix what you need to feed your family!

DEPRESSION ERA CASSEROLE

 

1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 small red onion, sliced and separated into rings
1/4 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
4 cups mashed potatoes

Directions:

1  Mix vinegar and sugar. Add onion.
2  Allow the onion to marinate, in the refrigerator, until dinnertime (the longer the better, at our house).
3  Brown the ground beef, adding salt to taste.
4  Make an indentation in individual portions of mashed potatoes.
5  Fill indentations with beef and spoon the marinated onions and sauce over over the meat.
 

Serves at least 4 -- more with additional potatoes.

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