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#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven**:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. **Cook the Ground Beef**:
– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spoon as it cooks.
– Season the beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat and remove from the heat. Set aside.
3. **Prepare the Cheese Sauce**:
– In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cream of mushroom soup and stir to combine.
– Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously, until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. **Assemble the Casserole**:
– Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with a portion of the sliced potatoes. Top with half of the cooked ground beef, spreading it evenly over the potatoes.
– Pour half of the cheese sauce over the beef and potatoes. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese sauce.
5. **Bake**:
– Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
– Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
6. **Serve and Enjoy**:
– Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set and make it easier to slice. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or enjoy it as is for a complete meal.
### Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
– **Use Thinly Sliced Potatoes**: For the best texture, slice your potatoes as thinly as possible. Thin slices cook more evenly and absorb the flavors of the casserole better. A mandoline slicer can help you achieve uniform slices.
– **Add Extra Veggies**: To make the casserole even more wholesome, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture. This adds flavor and extra nutrients.
– **Make It Spicy**: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
– **Use Different Cheeses**: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack cheese can add some heat, while gouda or Swiss can provide a unique flavor profile.
– **Leftovers**: This casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
### Why This Recipe Works
**Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole** is the ultimate comfort food because it combines familiar, cozy ingredients in a new and exciting way. The layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese sauce create a filling, satisfying dish that is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings. It’s a simple recipe that requires minimal prep but delivers big flavors, making it a great choice for busy nights or when you’re looking to feed a crowd.
### Conclusion
Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or looking for a comforting, filling dish for a weekend gathering, **Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole** is the answer. This easy-to-make recipe is loaded with flavor and is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, this casserole is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Give it a try, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this irresistible dish!
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