Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the *easy hamburger potato casserole*! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, and it’s been a family favorite for as long as I can remember. I can still picture my mom pulling it out of the oven at our family gatherings, the cheesy goodness bubbling away and filling the house with the most comforting aroma. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Trust me, if you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor, this easy hamburger potato casserole is the answer. It’s incredibly hearty, and I just know your family will love it as much as mine does!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef, lean
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced thinly
- 1 onion, chopped finely
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this step is crucial for getting that perfect bake! While that’s warming up, grab a skillet and get it ready on medium heat. We’re about to make some magic happen!
Cook the Beef and Onion
Now, let’s brown that ground beef and onion together in the skillet. Cook them until the beef is nice and brown, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so everything cooks evenly! Once it’s all browned, drain any excess fat—this keeps the casserole from being too greasy. You want all that flavor without the extra oil, right?
Mix the Soup and Milk
In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and the milk until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. This is going to be the magic glue that holds everything together, so make sure it’s well combined! You can whisk it if you’d like, but a good stir with a spoon will do just fine.
Layer the Ingredients
Now, let’s build our casserole! Start by layering half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of a baking dish. Then, add half of your beef and onion mixture on top of the potatoes. Pour half of that delicious soup and milk mixture over everything. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mix. It’s like a tasty lasagna, but with potatoes and beef! Top it all off with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. After an hour, carefully remove the foil (watch out for that steam!) and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This is when the cheese gets all bubbly and golden—yum! Your easy hamburger potato casserole is now ready to impress!
Tips for Success
Alright, let me share some of my favorite pro tips to make your easy hamburger potato casserole truly shine! First off, don’t be shy with seasonings—adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika can elevate the flavors to a whole new level. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some cooked veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
If you want to switch things up, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even a meat substitute for a lighter option. And if you’re a cheese lover like me, throwing in a mix of cheeses—like pepper jack for a kick—will make it even more delicious. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference in flavor and satisfaction!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen potatoes for this casserole?
Absolutely! Frozen sliced potatoes can save you some prep time. Just make sure to thaw them before layering in the casserole to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup or need a dairy-free option, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce. Just keep the consistency similar for best results!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the easy hamburger potato casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, it is! Just make sure the cream of mushroom soup you use is labeled gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
Your casserole is ready when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. You can poke a fork into the potatoes to check for doneness—if it goes in easily, you’re all set!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of this easy hamburger potato casserole. Each serving contains about 350 calories, with 20g of fat, including 10g of saturated fat. You’ll also get around 20g of protein and 30g of carbohydrates, along with 3g of fiber. Plus, it has 600mg of sodium and only 2g of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Don’t worry though, it’s a satisfying dish that packs a flavorful punch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of your easy hamburger potato casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I always recommend letting it cool to room temperature before sealing it up—this helps maintain the texture. When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the casserole covered with foil for about 20–25 minutes. This way, it warms up evenly without drying out. If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop it in the microwave, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Enjoy every comforting bite!
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Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole: 5 Comforting Secrets
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious hamburger potato casserole that combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 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 over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and milk.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a baking dish.
- Add half of the beef mixture on top of the potatoes.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the layers.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or paprika.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy hamburger potato casserole
