My grandma used to make this growing up when money was tight, and the hearty flavor steals the show every time. You won't believe it only takes 3 simple ingredients!

This oven baked 3-ingredient potato and baked bean casserole is pure Midwest comfort food on a budget. My grandma used to make something just like this when money was tight, and it still shows up at our family gatherings because it’s so hearty and satisfying. Thinly sliced potatoes soak up the savory-sweet baked beans and get tender in the oven, while a simple sprinkle of shredded cheddar on top melts into a golden, bubbly crust. It’s the kind of cozy, no-fuss meal you can throw together after work with pantry staples and still feel like you’re putting a warm, homemade casserole on the table.

Serve this casserole hot, straight from the glass baking dish, with a simple green side salad or steamed frozen veggies to round out the meal. It pairs really well with a tangy coleslaw or sliced pickles to cut through the richness. If you want to stretch it for more people, add some buttered toast or garlic bread on the side. Leftovers reheat nicely for lunch the next day, and you can top a warm scoop with a spoonful of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little extra kick.

Servings: 4

3 cups thinly sliced russet potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch glass baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.

Scrub the potatoes well and pat dry. Thinly slice them into rounds about 1/8–1/4 inch thick. You can leave the skins on for extra texture and to save time.

Spread half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared glass baking dish, slightly overlapping the slices so they cover the surface.

Open both cans of baked beans and give them a quick stir. Pour one full can evenly over the layer of potatoes, spreading it out so all the potatoes are coated with sauce and beans.

Arrange the remaining sliced potatoes over the beans in another even, slightly overlapping layer.

Pour the second can of baked beans over the top layer of potatoes, spreading it gently with a spoon so everything is covered and the beans and sauce sink down between the slices.

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. (Thicker slices may need a few extra minutes.)

Carefully remove the foil (watch for steam), then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the hot casserole.

Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set up a bit and makes it easier to scoop neat portions from the glass dish.

To keep the spirit of a tight-budget, 3-ingredient recipe, you can still play around within those three components. For the potatoes, use whatever you have: russet, Yukon gold, or even red potatoes all work; just keep the slices thin so they cook through. For the beans, any style of canned baked beans is fine—hickory, brown sugar, or maple will each give the casserole a slightly different flavor. With the cheese, swap cheddar for Colby Jack, pepper jack, or a pre-shredded “Mexican blend” if that’s what’s in your fridge. If you’re not strict about the 3-ingredient rule, you can add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, or garlic powder over the potato layers, or stir in a spoonful of barbecue sauce with the beans for extra smokiness. To make it ahead, assemble the casserole earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate; you may need to add 5–10 minutes to the covered baking time since it’s starting cold. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat well in the microwave or covered in the oven until warmed through.