Description
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole, blending ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese into a satisfying midwestern classic. Home cooks will savor this one-pan wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the kitchen oven to a steady 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect warming environment for the hearty casserole.
- In a spacious skillet, thoroughly brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, carefully draining away any excess fat to ensure a lean foundation.
- Enhance the beef’s flavor profile by gently sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic in a touch of olive oil until they become translucent and aromatic.
- Combine the seasoned beef with the sautéed aromatics, incorporating a balanced blend of salt and freshly ground black pepper for depth of taste.
- Whisk the condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk in a separate mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Prepare a greased 9×13-inch baking dish by creating alternating layers: first a base of sliced potatoes, followed by a generous spread of beef mixture, then pour half the soup mixture. Repeat the layering process to build complexity.
- Generously crown the casserole with a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, melted topping.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour at 350°F. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become crisp.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, letting the layers settle and flavors meld before serving this comforting, family-style dish.
Notes
- Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier casserole.
- Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
- Consider using low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives for lactose-intolerant or health-conscious individuals.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg