When you’re feeding a family, managing a homestead, and trying to keep the grocery bill under control, there are some nights when creativity matters more than a full pantry. My go-to last-minute dinner is a mix & match recipe that is inspired by a comfort food meal my mama made when I was a child: Poor Man’s Meal.

This simple, hearty skillet dinner is one of those recipes that has stood the test of time. Made with inexpensive ingredients like potatoes, hot dogs, onions, and vegetables, it’s a practical meal that helps stretch food, reduce waste, and keep everyone fed without another trip to the grocery store.

For many families, recipes like this bring back memories of childhood dinners during a hard time, when making the most of what was available wasn’t a trendy lifestyle choice, it was simply how people survived.

My mama used to make Poor Man’s Meal on a regular basis… We called it goulash because we didn’t know there was a name for it.

Poor Man's Meal - Potatoes, hot dogs, green beans in a cast iron skillet

Today, this easy recipe remains popular with homesteaders, large families, and anyone living on a tight budget.

Whether you’re trying to use up leftovers from the garden, clean out the freezer, or turn a few pantry staples into a complete meal, this Poor Man’s Meal deserves a spot in your meal rotation.

The Fascinating History Behind Poor Man’s Meal

The term “poor man’s meal” has become popular again thanks to TikTok, where a lot of people discovered old-fashioned budget meals and Depression Era recipes. While versions vary from family to family, most include potatoes, onions, and some form of meat.

While today’s version often includes modern ingredients like hot dogs, cheese, and seasonings, the heart of the recipe remains the same: create a satisfying meal from whatever you already have on hand.

Why Homestead Families Love This Recipe

One reason Poor Man’s Meal has remained popular is that it’s incredibly flexible.

Unlike recipes that require exact measurements and specialty ingredients, this dish works with whatever needs to be used up first.

Have a sack of potatoes in the pantry? Perfect.
Need to use bell peppers before they spoil? Toss them in.
Found some leftover ground meat in the freezer? Add it.
Trying to stretch a package of hot dogs? This recipe was practically made for that.

The basic ingredients are inexpensive, easy to find in grocery stores, and have a pretty good shelf life, making them ideal for keeping on hand for busy nights.

Ingredients for Poor Man’s Meal

The beauty of poorman’s meal is that you can customize it based on what you already have available.

hot dogs, potatoes, onions, green beans on cutting board

Main Ingredients

4-5 medium potatoes, diced
1 white onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
6 hot dogs, sliced
1½ cups green beans
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and little pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

If you’re cleaning out the refrigerator or garden, consider adding:

Green pepper
Bell peppers
Sweet onions
Small onions
Diced tomatoes
Lean ground beef
Sausage
Leftover chicken
Corn
Peas
Carrots

This small list of other ingredients can help reduce waste while creating a more filling and healthy meal.

How to Make Poor Man’s Meal

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Wash and dice the potatoes into small pieces. Chop the white onion and mince the garlic. Slice the hot dogs into rounds.

If you’re using a vegetable chopper or mini food chopper, this step goes even faster.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the potatoes and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally with a silicone spatula until they begin to brown and soften.

If the potatoes start sticking, add a splash of water and continue cooking.

Step 3: Add the Onions and Garlic

Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet.

Cook for several minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Add the green beans and any additional vegetables you’re using.

A green pepper or other bell peppers work especially well in this recipe.

Cook until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Add the Hot Dogs

Stir in the sliced hot dog pieces (or other cooked meat).

Continue cooking until the hot dogs are lightly browned and heated through.

Poor Man's Meal: hot dogs, potatoes, and green beans cooking in a cast iron skillett

Step 6: Add Cheese (Optional)

If your family loves cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top.

Place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two until melted.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately while hot.

Easy Variations of Poor Man’s Meal

One reason this recipe remains a favorite among homestead families is how easy it is to adapt.

Ground Beef Version

Swap the hot dogs for lean ground beef.

Brown the ground beef first, then continue with the recipe as directed.

Poor Man's Meal with ground beef in cast iron skillet

Dutch Oven Version

Making dinner outdoors?

This recipe works beautifully in a dutch oven over a campfire, making it perfect for outdoor eating and outdoor dining during family gatherings or camping trips.

Breakfast Hash Version

Turn leftovers into breakfast by topping each serving with a fried egg and maybe a little hot sauce.

The combination of potatoes, meat, and egg provides enough protein to keep everyone satisfied for hours.

Image of last minute dinner hash turned into a breakfast hash with an egg and bacon in a skillet | Mama on the Homestead

Pantry Clean-Out Version

Use whatever vegetables need to be eaten first.

This is one of the best one-pan dinners for reducing food waste while still meeting your family’s nutritional requirements.

Tips for Making the Best Poor Man’s Meal

Cut potatoes into similar sizes for even cooking.
Cook over medium heat to prevent burning.
Use leftover vegetables before opening new packages.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Add cooked ground meat if you need extra protein.
Double the recipe for larger families.
Shred your own cheese for better melting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Poor Man’s Meal ahead of time?

Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet for best results.

Can I freeze it?

Potatoes can become soft after freezing, so this recipe is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Is this a healthy meal?

While traditional Poor Man’s Meal is designed to be inexpensive and filling, you can easily boost its nutritional value by adding extra vegetables and using lean ground beef or another protein source.

What if I don’t have hot dogs?

No problem. Sausage, leftover roast, chicken, hamburger, or any cooked ground meat can be substituted.

A Frugal Family Favorite

As a homesteading mom, I’ve learned that some of the best meals aren’t the fancy ones. They’re the meals that help us use what we have, reduce waste, and feed our families well.

This Poor Man’s Meal recipe isn’t complicated, but that’s exactly why I love it so much.

Poor Man's Meal in White bowl- hot dogs, potatoes, and green beans

With a handful of pantry staples, a few potatoes, and whatever vegetables or meat happen to be available, you can create a comforting dinner that satisfies hungry kids and stretches your grocery budget a little further.

And on those weeks when the pantry feels a little bare and payday is still a few days away, that’s a lucky benefit worth appreciating.

Poor Man's Meal

Ingredients

4-5 medium potatoes, diced
1 white onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
6 hot dogs, sliced
1½ cups green beans
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and little pepper to taste