Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole 🍔🥔: A Comforting, All-in-One Meal
Sometimes, after a busy day, you just need a meal that’s easy to make, satisfying, and delicious. Enter the Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole! This hearty casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, savory cream of mushroom soup, and gooey cheddar cheese to create a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or even meal prep. It’s a classic, no-fuss recipe that packs in flavor and is sure to become a weeknight staple. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to enjoy leftovers the next day, this casserole will hit the spot.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder or other seasonings (like paprika or onion powder)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onions and cook until they soften, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you’d like, you can also add garlic powder or other seasonings at this stage for extra flavor. - Prepare the Casserole Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the dish. - Layer the Beef and Onions
Once the ground beef is fully cooked, spread it evenly over the layer of potatoes in the casserole dish. - Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the can of cream of mushroom soup and the milk until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes. - Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole, ensuring it covers the entire surface. - Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Storage Information:
- Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you have extra casserole, it freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 1 hour, or thaw overnight and bake for 30-40 minutes until heated through.
Conclusion:
The Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a delicious, no-fuss dish that combines familiar ingredients to create a comforting meal perfect for any night of the week. It’s simple to prepare, and the layers of beef, potatoes, creamy soup, and melty cheese make each bite a cozy delight. You can even experiment with different seasonings or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to customize it to your taste. Serve it with a fresh side salad or some steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal that will leave everyone satisfied. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this casserole is sure to please!