Introduction: If you’re craving a simple, yet mouth-watering dish that the whole family will love, then look no further than this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole. This hearty casserole combines tender potatoes, savory hamburger meat, and melty cheese for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe is sure to impress. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also affordable and full of flavor. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
Ingredients: To make this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (hamburger meat)
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions: Follow these simple steps to make this easy and delicious casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium heat until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the cooked hamburger mixture. Repeat the layers, topping the casserole with the remaining hamburger mixture.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the top and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Nutritional Information: This hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole is a filling meal that provides essential nutrients. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Please note that these values may vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For a healthier version, consider using lean ground beef or substituting the cream of mushroom soup with a low-fat alternative.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: While this recipe is simple to make, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Not layering the casserole properly – For even cooking, make sure you layer the potatoes and hamburger mixture evenly. This ensures that all ingredients cook evenly and the casserole has a consistent texture.
- Overcrowding the pan – Avoid overstuffing your casserole dish, as this can lead to uneven cooking and make the casserole soggy.
- Not fully cooking the hamburger meat – Ensure that the ground beef is thoroughly cooked before adding it to the casserole. This prevents any raw beef from affecting the taste and texture of the casserole.
- Skipping the cheese topping – The cheese adds a crucial element of flavor and texture to the casserole. Don’t skip it!
Helpful Tips:
- Use a mandoline slicer for the potatoes: This will ensure that your potato slices are uniform in thickness and cook evenly.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is a great time-saver if you’re preparing dinner for a busy weeknight.
- Add extra veggies: For a more balanced meal, feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to the casserole. This adds extra nutrients and a burst of color.
- Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Conclusion: The Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a classic comfort food that combines simplicity with delicious flavors. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today, and you’ll see why it’s quickly becoming a family favorite!
This dish not only satisfies your cravings for a warm, hearty meal but is also versatile enough to fit various dietary preferences. So, whether you enjoy it as is or choose to add your own twist, this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is bound to be a hit.