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Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. - Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside. - Prepare the Potatoes
While the beef is cooking, peel and thinly slice the potatoes. You can use a mandoline slicer to make the process quicker and ensure the slices are uniform in thickness. - Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined, creating a creamy sauce that will coat the potatoes and beef. - Assemble the Casserole
Layer the bottom of the greased baking dish with a portion of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the cooked ground beef. Pour a little of the creamy sauce over the top, then sprinkle with a portion of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top. - Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly. - Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like green onions, crispy bacon bits, or more cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Hamburger Potato Casserole
1. Use Starchy Potatoes
For the best texture, opt for Russet potatoes or another starchy variety. They break down and soften beautifully during baking, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes the casserole so comforting.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Layers
To ensure that each bite is just as delicious as the next, try not to overcrowd the layers of potatoes or beef. Spacing them out allows the casserole to cook evenly and ensures the flavors meld together beautifully.
3. Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor
Want to sneak some extra veggies in? Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition. You can also layer in some spinach or kale with the potatoes for an extra healthy touch.
4. Customize the Cheese
While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby jack for a different twist. You can also add a mix of cheeses for extra flavor depth.
5. Make It Ahead of Time
This casserole is great for meal prep! You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it the next day. This is especially helpful for busy weeknights when you want a quick, homemade meal.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—a satisfying, flavorful dish that brings the whole family to the table. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and can be customized to your taste. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner for your family, this casserole will quickly become a go-to recipe that’s always a hit. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a warm, delicious meal that will leave everyone coming back for seconds!
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