Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, sliced cherry tomatoes
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks to ensure it’s evenly browned.
3. Add Onions and Seasoning:
- Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Layer the Casserole:
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Next, layer the remaining sliced potatoes on top of the beef mixture.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the layered potatoes and beef in the baking dish.
6. Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.
7. Add Cheese and Final Touches:
- Once the casserole is cooked through, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven for a few minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, or sliced cherry tomatoes if desired.
- Scoop generous portions onto plates and savor every bite of this comforting hamburger potato casserole. Serve alongside your favorite side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
9. Storage and Reheating:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm the entire casserole in the oven until heated through.
Conclusion: With its layers of savory beef, tender potatoes, and creamy sauce topped with melted cheese, this hamburger potato casserole is a satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious.
