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Hamburger and Potato Casserole: A Comforting Classic

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## **Instructions**

### **1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.

### **2. Cook the Ground Beef**
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, then remove from heat.

### **3. Prepare the Potato Layer**
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream until smooth. In the prepared baking dish, create a layer of thinly sliced potatoes. Pour half of the soup mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly.

### **4. Add the Beef and Cheese Layers**
Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Then, sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef layer. Pour the remaining soup mixture over the top, and finish by adding the remaining cheese.

### **5. Bake**
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil, and if desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top. Drizzle with melted butter to add extra flavor and crunch. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

### **6. Serve and Enjoy**
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve warm.

## **Tips for the Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole**

🍽️ **Customize with vegetables** – You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
🧀 **Mix up the cheese** – If you prefer a different flavor, try mozzarella, gouda, or a cheese blend for variety.
⏳ **Precook the potatoes** – If you’re short on time, you can parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes before layering them in the casserole. This will speed up the cooking process.
💡 **Make it ahead** – This casserole is great for prepping the night before. Simply assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Then, bake when ready to serve.

## **Final Thoughts**

*Hamburger and Potato Casserole* is the epitome of comfort food: simple, flavorful, and easy to make. With layers of seasoned beef, creamy soup, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your own tastes, whether you prefer a different cheese, more veggies, or a spicy twist.

Perfect for busy nights or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, this casserole will fill your home with irresistible aromas and leave everyone satisfied. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. 🥔🍔🧀

Have you made a hamburger and potato casserole before? What’s your favorite way to customize it? Let me know in the comments! 😊

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