Description
Hearty hamburger potato casserole delivers comfort and nostalgia in one delightful dish. Midwestern home cooks will savor this classic meal that combines ground beef, potatoes, and creamy cheese for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 3 cups (720 ml) potatoes, thinly sliced (about 3 medium potatoes)
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an optimal thermal environment for the casserole’s transformation.
- Meat Foundation: In a skillet, brown ground beef with onions, developing a rich flavor profile. Incorporate salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then meticulously drain excess fat to ensure a clean, concentrated taste.
- Sauce Creation: Whisk cream of mushroom soup and milk into a seamless, velvety sauce that will marry the casserole’s components.
- Layering Technique: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Artfully construct alternating strata of sliced potatoes, seasoned beef, soup mixture, and cheese. Each layer should interlock like a culinary mosaic, building depth and complexity.
- Baking Process: Cloak the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to caramelize and potatoes to reach peak tenderness. The surface should transform into a golden, bubbling landscape of flavor.
- Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant burst of color and herbaceous brightness. Serve immediately, inviting diners to dive into this comforting, layered masterpiece.
Notes
- Optimize Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is browned deeply to develop rich, caramelized flavors and prevent watery texture. Pat meat dry before cooking to achieve better searing and prevent steaming.
- Potato Slice Consistency: Cut potato slices uniformly (about 1/4 inch thick) to guarantee even cooking and prevent undercooked or overcooked sections. Thinner slices will cook faster and create a more tender casserole.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose melting cheeses like sharp cheddar or monterey jack for maximum flavor and creamy texture. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that can impact melting quality.
- Low-Sodium and Dietary Adaptation: Replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce for lower sodium content. For gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour and select gluten-free cream soup. Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for alternative protein options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg