Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole: A Comforting and Simple Delight! 🥔🍔🧀
1. Introduction
Looking for a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole! This recipe combines the savory goodness of ground beef with the comforting texture of potatoes, all topped with melted cheese for a truly irresistible dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this simple hamburger potato bake requires minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor. You’ll be surprised at how quickly this dish comes together, making it a weeknight champion. If you love easy casseroles, you might also enjoy this Quick Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe for another fuss-free meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this quick hamburger potato casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Let’s dive into creating this delightful easy potato casserole with ground beef that promises to please even the pickiest eaters. For another minimal ingredient recipe, try this Minimal Ingredient Beef Enchilada Casserole!
2. Why This Recipe Works
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a winner for several reasons. First, it uses minimal, readily available ingredients, making it budget-friendly and convenient. We all know those nights when you just don’t have the energy for a complicated recipe, and this casserole is the perfect solution. Second, the preparation is straightforward, involving simple steps that anyone can follow. The combination of ground beef and potatoes creates a filling and balanced meal, while the cheese adds a touch of indulgence. Craving some chicken instead of beef? Check out this equally simple Easy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. Moreover, this simple hamburger potato bake is incredibly versatile; you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, spices, or cheese to suit your taste. The fact that it’s a quick hamburger potato casserole means you can have a delicious dinner on the table in under an hour. You can find a similar recipe on Allrecipes for inspiration. Ultimately, this easy potato casserole with ground beef is all about delivering comfort and flavor without the fuss. For a similar comforting, minimal ingredient meal, give this Quick Easy Sausage and Rice Recipe a try!
3. Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4. Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- 9Ă—13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
5. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until the beef is cooked through and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat. This is a crucial step for building the base flavor of your Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole. Make sure to break up the ground beef well so it cooks evenly!
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
While the ground beef is browning, peel and dice the potatoes into small, even pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with salt and pepper. This ensures that every bite of your simple hamburger potato bake is well-seasoned. Dicing the potatoes uniformly ensures they cook evenly; no one wants a crunchy potato in their casserole!
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, create a layer of the seasoned potatoes, followed by the cooked ground beef and onion mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour the soup mixture over the potato and beef layers. This layering technique is essential to ensure a uniform taste throughout the quick hamburger potato casserole. Thinking about making another casserole soon? You might also be interested in this Quick Chicken Cobbler Recipe!
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender. This baking process transforms the easy potato casserole with ground beef into a golden, cheesy delight. If you’re looking for more easy dinner ideas, this Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe would also be a fit!
6. Tips for Success
- For best results, use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, as they hold their shape well during baking.
- Ensure the potatoes are diced into uniform sizes to promote even cooking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like diced bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the ground beef mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
- If you prefer a creamier casserole, use sour cream or cream cheese in addition to the cream of mushroom soup.
- Let the Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial; it allows the casserole to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny when you serve it.
7. Variations and Add-Ins
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. A little bit of heat can really elevate this dish!
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. This is a great way to make the recipe more inclusive.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack adds a creamy, melty texture.
- Deluxe Version: Top the simple hamburger potato bake with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for added texture. Consider using panko breadcrumbs for extra crispness.
8. Serving Suggestions
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Consider serving it with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the casserole. You can also enjoy it with garlic bread or dinner rolls for a more substantial meal. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that final touch. If you are wanting chicken recipes, maybe this Quick and Simple Boneless Chicken Breast Recipe will be for you! It showcases the versatility of this quick hamburger potato casserole. If you want an alternative to the Casserole, see this Simple Creamy Chicken Diane Recipe
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a fantastic recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, while its comforting flavors and hearty texture make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with variations, this easy potato casserole with ground beef is sure to become a beloved family favorite. Don’t forget to try this Fast and Flavorful Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe! Enjoy the delightful combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in this easy-to-make casserole! Looking for an even simpler chicken recipe? Check out this Simple Stuffed Chicken Recipe!
PrintEasy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe with Minimal Ingredients
Discover the comforting and delicious Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole, combining hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese for a satisfying family meal. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal ingredients!
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion until the beef is cooked and the onion softens. Drain excess fat.
- Peel and dice the potatoes, then mix them with salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Layer the seasoned potatoes in a 9×13 inch baking dish, followed by the ground beef mixture. Whisk the soup and milk together, then pour over the layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is melted and potatoes are tender.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for best texture.
- Dice potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra flavor.
- For creaminess, use sour cream or cream cheese.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving for better flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg