There’s something so comforting about casseroles, isn’t there? They’re like a warm hug on a chilly day! My absolute favorite has to be this *hamburger potato casserole*. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that brings back memories of family dinners around the table. I remember the first time I made it for my friends; the aroma filled my kitchen, and by the time it hit the table, everyone was drooling! It’s such a simple recipe, but the combination of ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese is just magical. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients for Hamburger Potato Casserole
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced thinly
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Hamburger Potato Casserole
Now, let’s dive into making this scrumptious casserole! I promise it’s easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal that’ll make everyone come running to the table!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key because it ensures your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly cooked. So, go ahead and set that temperature while you get everything else ready!
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
Next, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add your pound of ground beef along with the chopped onion. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks into those nice little crumbles. It’s the sizzle that makes your kitchen smell amazing!
Step 3: Mix the Soup and Milk
In a large bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup with 1 cup of milk. Whisk it together until it’s nice and smooth. This mixture is going to add that creamy goodness to your casserole. If you find it too thick, just add a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Now, it’s time to assemble the magic! Grab your greased baking dish and start layering. First, spread the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. Then, sprinkle the cooked beef and onion mixture on top. Pour the creamy soup mixture all over these layers, making sure to cover everything well. Finally, sprinkle that glorious shredded cheddar cheese on top. Oh, it’s going to be so cheesy and delicious!
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it in your preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour. This allows the potatoes to soften beautifully. After that hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This last bit of baking will give you that gorgeous, bubbly cheese on top. Can you smell it already? Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Hearty ingredients that fill you up and warm your soul.
- One-dish wonder—minimal cleanup, which I absolutely love!
- Cheesy goodness that melts in your mouth.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Leftovers taste even better, so you’ll be looking forward to round two!
Tips for Success
To make your hamburger potato casserole even more amazing, here are some tips I’ve learned along the way! First, feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative if you want a lighter version. Adding in some veggies like corn, peas, or bell peppers can really boost the flavor and nutrition—just toss them in with the beef! Also, don’t skip the foil during the first hour of baking; it keeps everything moist. And if you want an extra cheesy top, try mixing different cheeses or adding some breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. Trust me, you can’t go wrong!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. But typically, each serving (about 1 cup) of this hearty hamburger potato casserole contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
This casserole is a great source of comfort and energy, making it perfect for a filling family meal. Enjoy every cheesy bite while knowing you’ve got a hearty dish that satisfies!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well if you want a lighter option. You could even try crumbled sausage for a kick of flavor!
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? No worries! You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or make your own creamy sauce with a roux and add some mushrooms.
How do I store leftovers? Just place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll last for about 3-4 days. Trust me, they taste even better as the flavors meld!
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes! Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing. It’ll be a lifesaver for busy nights!
What should I serve with it? This casserole is a meal on its own, but a simple green salad or some garlic bread on the side can really round things out!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your hamburger potato casserole is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days, and trust me, the flavors get even better with time! If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it too. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. For reheating, I recommend warming it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until it’s heated through. This way, you’ll keep that delicious cheesy topping nice and melty!
Print
Hamburger Potato Casserole: 5 Comforting Layers to Savor
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty casserole made with hamburger and potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion.
- In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk.
- Layer the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish.
- Add the cooked beef and onion on top of the potatoes.
- Pour the soup mixture over the layers.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like corn or peas.
- Use any cheese you prefer.
- Let it cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: hamburger potato casserole, beef casserole, potato dish
