Cheesy Hamburger and Potato Casserole
Who doesn’t love a comforting and hearty casserole that’s packed with flavor? This Cheesy Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 2. In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- 3. In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, half of the cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 4. Stir in the hash brown potatoes and cooked ground beef mixture.
- 5. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- 6. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition Information:
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 18g
Popular questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe for a lighter option.
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns? Yes, you can use fresh potatoes, just make sure to cook them before adding them to the casserole.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for varying flavors.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftovers for a future meal.
- How can I make this casserole vegetarian? You can omit the ground beef and use mushrooms or other veggies for a vegetarian version.
- What can I serve with this casserole? This casserole pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Can I add other seasonings? Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- How can I make this casserole gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own sauce from scratch.
- Can I add extra veggies? You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to increase the nutritional content.
Helpful tips:
- 1. Brown the ground beef well for maximum flavor.
- 2. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra fragrance.
- 3. Mix in some crumbled bacon for added richness.
- 4. Top with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
- 5. Use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- 6. Add a dollop of sour cream on top before serving for a creamy finish.
- 7. Season the potatoes with garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
- 8. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives for a pop of color.
- 9. Experiment with different types of cream soups for a unique twist.
- 10. Serve with a side of ketchup or hot sauce for an added kick.
Expert Secrets:
- 1. For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or turkey.
- 2. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 3. Use a mix of white and sweet potatoes for added complexity.
- 4. Top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese for a crunchy topping.
- 5. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
- 6. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a savory depth of flavor.
- 7. Use a mandoline slicer to ensure evenly sliced potatoes for even cooking.
- 8. Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Swiss, for a unique taste.
- 9. For an extra cheesy casserole, add a layer of cheese in the middle of the dish.
- 10. Customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences, like adding cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.