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Instructions: How to Make Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and comes out golden and bubbly.
#### Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **ground beef** and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Once the beef is fully cooked, add the **chopped onion** and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened. Season with **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **salt**, and **pepper** to taste. Drain any excess fat and set the beef mixture aside.
#### Step 3: Prepare the Potato Layer
While the beef is cooking, peel and **thinly slice the potatoes**. Try to slice them as evenly as possible to ensure they cook uniformly. If you have a mandoline slicer, it can make this step much quicker.
#### Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with **olive oil** or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Begin layering the casserole by placing a layer of sliced **potatoes** on the bottom of the dish. Follow this by a layer of the **cooked ground beef** mixture. Repeat the process, layering potatoes and beef, until all ingredients are used up. You should end with a layer of potatoes on top.
#### Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the **cream of mushroom soup**, **sour cream**, and **milk**. Stir until smooth and well combined. Pour this creamy sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and beef in the casserole dish.
#### Step 6: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the **shredded cheese** evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a gooey, golden crust once baked.
#### Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish with **aluminum foil** and bake for about **45 minutes**. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional **15 minutes**, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
#### Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with **chopped parsley** or **green onions** for a pop of color and added freshness. You can also top with **crumbled bacon** for extra flavor.
### Tips for Perfect Hamburger Potato Casserole
– **Thinly Slice the Potatoes**: The thinner the slices, the quicker they will cook. Be sure not to cut them too thick, as this may result in undercooked potatoes.
– **Add Vegetables**: If you want to make the casserole even heartier and more nutritious, consider adding vegetables like **peas**, **corn**, or **bell peppers**. You can layer them with the potatoes and beef or stir them into the creamy sauce.
– **Use a Flavorful Cheese**: While cheddar is a popular choice, you can experiment with different cheeses like **pepper jack** for a spicy kick or **Swiss cheese** for a more savory flavor.
– **Make Ahead**: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or preparing for a busy evening.
– **Use Ground Turkey or Chicken**: For a lighter version of this casserole, swap the ground beef for **ground turkey** or **ground chicken**. You can also add extra seasonings to boost the flavor if using leaner meats.
### Why This Hamburger Potato Casserole is Perfect for Any Occasion
– **Family-Friendly**: This casserole is easy to make and incredibly filling, making it a great choice for feeding a family or a group. Kids and adults alike will love the combination of beef, potatoes, and cheese.
– **Comfort Food**: With its warm, cheesy, and hearty nature, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for chilly nights when you want something filling and satisfying.
– **Budget-Friendly**: The ingredients are affordable, and the casserole feeds a crowd, making it a great option for those on a budget or anyone looking for an economical meal.
– **Make Ahead and Freezer-Friendly**: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate it, or even freeze it for later. Simply bake it when you’re ready to enjoy.
### Conclusion: A Hearty, Satisfying Meal
This **Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole** is everything you want in a comfort food dish—simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. The layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and creamy cheese come together in the most satisfying way, making it the perfect meal for busy nights or when you need to feed a crowd. Plus, with just a few basic ingredients, it’s an affordable option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, having friends over, or prepping meals for the week, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal that’s as easy to make as it is enjoyable to eat!
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