Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: the easy hamburger potato casserole! It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I remember the first time I made it; I was trying to impress my friends with something hearty and filling, and boy, did this do the trick! It’s incredibly simple to whip up, with just a handful of ingredients that I usually have on hand. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy mushroom soup is just unbeatable! Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder, which means less mess and more time to relax. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious easy hamburger potato casserole. Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to a comforting meal!
- 1 lb ground beef: I like to use lean ground beef for a healthier option, but feel free to choose your favorite cut!
- 4 cups potatoes, diced: I usually go for russet potatoes, but Yukon golds work beautifully too! Just make sure to dice them into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium onion adds a lovely sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed with the beef.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: This is the secret to that creamy, dreamy texture! You can substitute it with cream of chicken if you prefer.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: I adore using cheddar cheese for its sharpness, but mozzarella or a blend would be delicious as well!
- 1 cup milk: This helps to thin out the mixture and keep it moist. You can swap it with a non-dairy option if needed.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skip this! Seasoning is key to bringing out all the flavors.
Once you have everything ready, you’re all set to dive into the cooking process! Enjoy the simplicity of it all!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into making this easy hamburger potato casserole! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love the process as much as the final dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring everything cooks evenly!
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and chopped onion. Cook them together until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Drain the fat: Once browned, carefully drain the excess fat from the skillet. This step helps keep your casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine your diced potatoes, the can of cream of mushroom soup, the cooked beef and onion mixture, and the milk. Stir everything together until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste—you want to make sure it’s flavorful!
- Pour into a baking dish: Grease a baking dish (a 9×13 inch works well) and pour your mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top. You can never have too much cheese, right?
- Bake: Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden!
And there you have it! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the hearty goodness that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Trust me when I say this easy hamburger potato casserole is a game-changer! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for it:
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have this dish in the oven in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Filling: This casserole is loaded with tender potatoes and savory beef, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting meal. It’s a surefire way to please even the pickiest eaters!
- One-Dish Wonder: Less clean-up means more time for what really matters—enjoying your meal and family time!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!
Seriously, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe in your life!
Tips for Success
Want to take your easy hamburger potato casserole to the next level? Here are some pro tips that I swear by!
- Layering Flavors: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the beef while it cooks. A little kick from some diced jalapeños can also spice things up!
- Potato Choices: While I love russet potatoes, you can mix it up with sweet potatoes for a twist. Just keep in mind that sweet potatoes may cook a bit faster.
- Cheese Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses! A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives a creamy texture, while pepper jack adds a fun kick.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your casserole towards the end of baking. You want those potatoes tender but not mushy! If it looks like the cheese is browning too fast, cover it with foil.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the casserole the night before, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
With these tips, you’ll be sure to impress everyone at your table with this comforting classic!
Nutritional Information Section
As you dive into this hearty easy hamburger potato casserole, it’s good to keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a typical breakdown based on a serving size of 1 cup:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
These values make this casserole not only comforting but also a filling option for your family. Enjoy every delicious bite while keeping an eye on those nutritional counts!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! This easy hamburger potato casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or those busy days when you just want a quick bite. To store, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to maintain its yummy flavors!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze. You can pop individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, or if you’re feeling fancy, reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covering it with foil to prevent the top from browning too much. Trust me, this casserole tastes just as good the second time around, if not better!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this easy hamburger potato casserole? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Absolutely! Frozen diced potatoes work great in this casserole. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just remember to bake it a bit longer if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding garlic, Italian seasoning, or even some diced bell peppers for a twist! You can really customize it to your taste.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, this easy hamburger potato casserole is gluten-free and perfect for everyone!
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. A quick poke with a fork will tell you if those potatoes are ready!
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole: 5 Comforting Ingredients
- Temps Total: 60 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A simple and hearty hamburger potato casserole that is perfect for dinner.
Ingrédients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 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 the excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix the potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and cooked beef mixture.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition.
- For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 45 minutes
- Catégorie: Casserole
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: easy hamburger potato casserole
