Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: hamburger potato casserole! This dish just screams cozy nights at home and family gatherings. It’s hearty, filling, and combines all the good stuff—ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese! Whenever I make this casserole, the aroma wafts through the house and instantly brings everyone to the kitchen. I love how it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but also special enough to impress guests. And trust me, you can’t go wrong with a meal that’s this warm and satisfying. So, if you’re looking for a delicious way to enjoy a classic American dish, this hamburger potato casserole is your answer! Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef (use lean for a healthier option)
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced thinly (I love using Yukon Gold for their creaminess!)
- 1 onion, chopped (this adds such a nice flavor)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar is my go-to, but feel free to mix it up!)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (this is the creamy base that ties everything together)
- 1 cup milk (you can use whole or low-fat, whatever you have on hand)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on this; it really enhances the flavors)
How to Prepare Hamburger Potato Casserole
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your casserole gets that nice, bubbly goodness as soon as it goes in. Trust me, the smell that fills your kitchen will be totally worth it!
Cook the Meat
Next, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add in your 1 lb of ground beef and the chopped onion. Cook it all up until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally so it cooks evenly. Once it’s all nicely browned, drain the excess fat—this helps keep the casserole from being too greasy and lets those flavors shine through!
Prepare the Soup Mixture
Now it’s time to create that creamy magic! In a large bowl, mix together the can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and well combined. This soup mixture is going to be the glue that holds everything together, so don’t rush this step!
Layer the Ingredients
Let’s build this beauty! Start by greasing a baking dish (I usually use a 9×13 inch dish). Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Then, spoon your cooked beef and onion mixture over those potatoes. Pour half of your creamy soup mixture over the beef. Now, add the remaining potatoes on top, followed by the rest of the soup mixture. Finally, sprinkle those 2 cups of shredded cheese generously over everything. It’s going to be cheesy perfection!
Bake the Casserole
Pop that casserole in your preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. If you can’t resist (and who could?), sneak a peek about halfway through to admire your creation, but try not to let too much heat escape. This casserole is going to be a dinner showstopper, I promise!
Tips for Success
Now, I want to share some of my favorite tips to help you nail this hamburger potato casserole every time! First off, don’t shy away from getting creative. You can absolutely toss in some veggies like peas, corn, or even sliced bell peppers for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition. It’s a great way to clean out your fridge too!
If you’re a cheese lover like me, feel free to mix different types of cheese. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can elevate the flavor profile wonderfully. Just remember, the more cheese, the merrier!
Also, if you want to save some time, you can slice your potatoes ahead of time and keep them in cold water until you’re ready to use them. This will prevent them from browning and make the prep easier. And trust me, letting the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes after baking will make serving much easier—it lets everything settle beautifully!
Finally, feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. A dash of garlic powder or a sprinkle of paprika can add a delightful twist. Experiment and make this dish your own; the possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious hamburger potato casserole! Each serving is packed with hearty goodness, making it a satisfying meal. Here’s what you can expect per serving (about 1 cup):
- 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
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use or any adjustments you make. But isn’t it great to know you’re indulging in a dish that’s not just tasty but also gives you a good dose of protein and comfort? Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This hamburger potato casserole is perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can assemble the entire dish and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating. Just make sure to let it sit out for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. If you’re short on time, you can also just prepare the meat and soup mixture ahead of time, then layer it with the potatoes when you’re ready to bake. It’s a real lifesaver for busy weeknights!
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you want to switch things up or have dietary restrictions, you can absolutely substitute the cream of mushroom soup! A great alternative is to use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade cream sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also try a can of vegetable broth mixed with a bit of heavy cream for a lighter option. And if you’re avoiding dairy, consider using a plant-based cream soup or a mixture of cashew cream and vegetable broth. Get creative with what you have on hand!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal. Just remember to add a splash of milk if it seems a little dry after reheating—nobody wants a dry casserole!
Imprimer
Hamburger Potato Casserole: 2 Steps to Comfort Bliss
- Temps Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Not Vegetarian
Description
A hearty hamburger potato casserole that combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese.
Ingrédients
- 1 lb 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish.
- Add the cooked beef mixture on top of the potatoes.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef.
- Add the remaining potatoes on top.
- Pour the rest of the soup mixture over the potatoes.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until potatoes are tender.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like peas or corn for extra flavor.
- Use your favorite type of cheese.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 1 hour
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- 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: hamburger potato casserole
