Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: easy hamburger potato casserole! Seriously, this dish is a game-changer. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table, and the best part? It’s so simple to whip up! Just imagine layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, all swimming in a creamy sauce. Trust me, your taste buds will be dancing! I love how it’s a one-dish wonder, which means less cleanup for me—yay! Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or just craving some hearty goodness, this casserole never disappoints. So grab your baking dish and let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound ground beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, but feel free to go all out with a bit of fat for added flavor!
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced: I love using russet potatoes for their fluffiness, but any kind you have on hand will work just fine. Just slice them thin for even cooking!
- 1 onion, chopped: This adds a wonderful sweetness and depth to the dish. You can use yellow or white onions, depending on your preference.
- 2 cups shredded cheese: Go for your favorite melting cheese! Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or a blend is fantastic too.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: This creamy goodness binds everything together. If you’re not a mushroom fan, you can use cream of chicken instead!
- 1 cup milk: Just regular milk works great here, but you can also use a non-dairy alternative if that’s your jam.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! It really brings out all those delicious flavors.
How to Prepare Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden finish. Plus, nothing feels better than the anticipation of deliciousness filling your kitchen!
Brown the Ground Beef
Now, grab a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and chopped onion, and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The aroma? Oh wow, it’s heavenly! Once the beef is nicely browned, be sure to drain any excess fat—nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion mixture with those lovely sliced potatoes, the cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Now, this is the fun part—give it a good stir until everything is well mixed! You want those potatoes to get all cozy with the creamy goodness. Yum!
Transfer to Baking Dish
Next, it’s time to get your baking dish ready. Grease it up with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later! Pour the delicious mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite gets that hearty goodness.
Add Cheese and Bake
Finally, it’s time to top it all off with that glorious shredded cheese. Pile it on! Now, pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden. Oh, that’s the moment we live for! Just be sure to check it around the 50-minute mark to make sure those potatoes are cooked through. Enjoy the delicious aroma while you wait—it’s simply irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready for the oven in no time!
- Hearty and Filling: This casserole is a complete meal packed with protein and carbs, perfect for satisfying those hungry bellies.
- One-Dish Wonder: You can cook and serve it all from one dish, making cleanup a breeze—who doesn’t love that?
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this comforting meal, making it a hit for family dinners or gatherings.
- Customizable: Feel free to add in your favorite veggies or switch up the cheese for a personal touch!
- Leftover Magic: It’s just as delicious the next day, so you can enjoy those cozy flavors all over again!
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s make sure your easy hamburger potato casserole turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you nail it:
- Don’t skip the browning: Browning the beef with the onion adds so much flavor to the dish. Make sure it’s nice and caramelized for that delicious depth.
- Slice potatoes evenly: Aim for uniform slices of potatoes—about 1/8 inch thick works well. This way, they cook evenly and become tender throughout.
- Adjust the cream soup: If you want a creamier casserole, feel free to add a bit more cream of mushroom soup or milk. Just keep an eye on the consistency!
- Check for doneness: Every oven is different! Start checking your casserole at the 50-minute mark to see if the potatoes are fork-tender. You don’t want them mushy, just perfectly cooked.
- Experiment with cheese: Don’t be afraid to mix and match cheeses! A blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella can add a lovely flavor and stringiness that’s hard to resist.
- Let it rest: After pulling it out of the oven, let your casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up nicely, making it easier to scoop out portions.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a scrumptious casserole that everyone will rave about! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Curious about how this easy hamburger potato casserole stacks up nutritionally? Here’s a quick look at the estimated values per serving, so you can enjoy your meal with confidence:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
This casserole is not only filling but also provides a good balance of protein and carbs, perfect for those busy days when you need a satisfying meal. Enjoy every bite knowing it’s not just delicious but also gives you the energy to tackle whatever comes your way!
FAQ Section
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it might be a bit drier, so you may want to add a touch more milk or cream of mushroom soup to keep it moist.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Oh, there are so many options! You can toss in some garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for that extra kick. Don’t shy away from experimenting with spices to make it your own!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare everything and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, but it might need a few extra minutes to cook through.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
Not a problem! You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. It’ll still turn out delicious, trust me!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or oven until it’s warmed through. It’s just as hearty and comforting the next day!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers because trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite! Once your easy hamburger potato casserole has cooled down a bit, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and tasty in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly—nobody wants a dry casserole!
When it comes time to enjoy your leftovers, you’ve got a couple of options. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave is your best friend! Just pop a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps keep it moist), and heat it in 30-second intervals until it’s warmed through. You might want to stir it a bit in between to ensure even heating.
If you’ve got a little more time, reheating in the oven is my favorite method. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out, and let it warm up for about 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to get that cheesy topping all bubbly again! Trust me, nothing beats that freshly baked taste, even on the second day!
Drucken
easy hamburger potato casserole: 5 reasons to love it
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Kalorienarme
Beschreibung
A simple and delicious hamburger potato casserole that combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese into a hearty meal.
Zutaten
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 1 hour
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 20g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterin: 60mg
Keywords: easy hamburger potato casserole
