Introduction:
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Combining ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes, this casserole is both filling and flavorful. With minimal ingredients and a simple process, it’s a great recipe for any home cook looking to satisfy their hunger quickly.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish.
Spread half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the potatoes.
Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef layer.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture.
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Description:
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole combines the savory goodness of ground beef with tender layers of sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a perfect one-dish meal that offers both comfort and satisfaction. The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
Tips:
For extra flavor, try adding some cooked bacon or sausage to the ground beef mixture.
Use russet potatoes for the best texture, as they hold up well when baked.
Feel free to swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup for a different twist.
If you want to make the casserole a bit more hearty, you can add a layer of vegetables like peas or corn.
To cut down on prep time, use pre-sliced frozen potatoes or hash browns.
If you like a crispy topping, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the cheese layer before baking.
This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Corrections (if necessary):
Ensure that the potatoes are thinly sliced to cook evenly.
Adjust the seasoning to personal taste, as different brands of soup may vary in salt content.
The casserole can be made with lean ground beef or even ground turkey for a healthier option.
