The humble casserole, a staple in many kitchens, combines simplicity with heartwarming flavors to create a meal that is both comforting and satisfying. Among the plethora of casserole recipes, the Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole stands out as a quintessential American dish, loved for its hearty ingredients and straightforward preparation.
A Brief History of Casseroles
Casseroles originated as a method for cooking several ingredients together in a single pot, and they have evolved over centuries into the oven-baked versions we know today. In the United States, casseroles became particularly popular in the mid-20th century, symbolizing a perfect family meal that could be easily assembled and enjoyed by all.
Why Hamburger Potato Casserole?
The popularity of the Hamburger Potato Casserole can be attributed to its use of familiar and readily available ingredients such as ground beef and potatoes, which when combined, offer a fulfilling meal:
- Ground Beef: Provides a robust flavor and protein.
- Potatoes: Offer carbohydrates and a comforting texture.
- Cheese and Cream: Add a creamy, indulgent layer to the dish.
These components not only create a delicious meal but also ensure that the casserole is a cost-effective option suitable for feeding a crowd or family without compromising on taste.
The Versatility of the Dish
What truly makes this casserole a beloved choice is its versatility. The basic recipe invites numerous variations, allowing cooks to add their personal touch. Ingredients can be swapped based on dietary preferences or whatever is handy in the kitchen. This adaptability ensures that the Hamburger Potato Casserole remains a favorite, regardless of the occasion or dietary restrictions.
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Serving: 4-6 servings
- Equipment: Large skillet, 2-quart baking dish
A delicious, satisfying meal that is sure to comfort and delight, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup chopped onion
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off the excess grease and set aside.
- Prepare the soup mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the ingredients: In a 2-quart baking dish, create alternating layers of thinly sliced potatoes, the soup mixture, and the browned ground beef.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top and return to the oven. Continue baking just until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Just Right for Any Night
With its easy prep and hearty ingredients, this Hamburger Potato Casserole is a reliable go-to for any night of the week. It’s a fulfilling meal that brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table.
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Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Transform your dinner into a comforting feast with this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole. This dish combines the heartiness of ground beef, the creaminess of mushroom soup, and the satisfying crunch of baked potatoes, all topped with melted cheddar cheese.
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup chopped onion
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off the excess grease and set aside.
- Prepare the soup mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the ingredients: In a 2-quart baking dish, create alternating layers of thinly sliced potatoes, the soup mixture, and the browned ground beef.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top and return to the oven. Continue baking just until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Do you grease the casserole dish first? Also can you just cut potatoes in chunks?
I made this tonight! I tweaked a little to what we like. But it is Amazing! Thank you
I just love these recipes. I use them all the time
I just love these recipes or something different all the time
Turned out terrific! My husband loved it. To make more, I doubled the meat, used a 5 lb bag of potatoes, and 2 cans cream of mushroom soup. Used lots of seasoning on the sauteed veggies (which included sliced mushrooms) and the meat, added bacon bits, skipped the milk. Cubed my potatoes and parboiled them, which helped the dish finish cooking in 30 min. Also, I forgot to layer the ingredients—mixed together in bowl before placing in casserole dish instead.
do you cover this while it cooks and then uncover when you add the cheese ?
I don’t do this, but I had to let you know that I tried this recipe and WOW,it was super easy and really good. Thank you..
In the recipe you say thinly sliced potatoes but in the picture the potatoes look cubed. I take it that it doesn’t matter how there sliced or cubed! ?
Thank you
Gail
I was so ready to make this according to the recipe… when I discovered my potatoes that I just purchased 4 days ago were bad. I had a bag of frozen diced potatoes with onions and peppers… so I used that instead. Let me just say… after 45 minutes of cooking then I added the cheese… man, was that good!!! Big hit tonight!!
I made this but cut the potatoes in cubes as the picture shows. Took a little longer to cook them through but very good. Everyone loved it.
The recipe says thinly sliced potato but the accompanying picture shows blocks of potato? I assume the cook time would be much the same. I prefer chunks of potato.