This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, sure to please both kids and adults. It’s a quick, budget-friendly dish made with basic ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Potato Casserole:
- Kid-Friendly Favorite: The combination of creamy potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheese makes this casserole a guaranteed hit with kids.
- Easy and Affordable: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights without breaking the bank.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: This casserole delivers all the elements of a hearty and satisfying meal, making it a favorite among adults too.
Building Your Comforting Casserole:
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Savory Ground Beef Base:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (optional, chopped – green, red, or yellow)
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Creamy Potato Layer:
- 4-5 large russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced – about 6 cups)
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Creamy Soup Binder:
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream soup (cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or your favorite flavor)
- 1 ½ cups milk
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Melty Cheese Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
Ready to Bake Up Some Family Fun? Here are the Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and onion (and bell pepper, if using) over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream soup and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the cooked ground beef mixture.
- Pour the soup mixture over the ground beef layer.
- Cover with the remaining sliced potatoes.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a can of diced tomatoes (drained) or mixed vegetables to the ground beef mixture.
- If the casserole seems too dry, add an extra ½ cup of milk or broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Final Thoughts:
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a timeless recipe that brings families together. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and delivers a taste of comforting goodness that everyone will enjoy. So ditch the takeout menus, gather your family around the table, and experience the simple pleasure of this classic casserole!
