Let me tell you about my all-time favorite comfort food: *hamburger potato casserole 2*! This dish warms my heart and fills my belly with each scrumptious bite. I remember cozy family gatherings where the smell of this casserole wafted through the air, making everyone gather around the table. There’s just something magical about layers of tender potatoes, juicy ground beef, and ooey-gooey cheese that brings everyone together. I love how easy it is to whip up, too! Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this casserole is my go-to for a satisfying meal that never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked and might even make it a staple at your family dinners!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 4 cups sliced potatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare *Hamburger Potato Casserole 2*
Preheat and Brown
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven means even cooking! Now, grab a skillet and add your 2 pounds of ground beef along with the diced onion. Cook it over medium heat until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is soft. Oh, the aroma is heavenly! Just a quick tip: don’t forget to drain off any excess fat from the beef. This step helps keep your casserole from becoming too greasy, and trust me, you’ll want that perfect balance of flavors.
Layering the Casserole
Now onto the fun part—layering! In a greased casserole dish, start by adding half of your 4 cups of sliced potatoes. Spread them out evenly; this will help them cook perfectly. Next, spoon half of the browned meat mixture right on top of those potatoes. Then, pour half of the creamy mushroom soup mixture (made from 1 can of soup and 1 cup of milk) over the meat. Don’t be shy; let it drizzle down! Finally, sprinkle half of your 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over everything. Repeat this layering process with the remaining ingredients, starting with the rest of the potatoes, then the meat, soup, and cheese. Oh boy, it’s looking good already!
Baking Instructions
Cover your masterpiece with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven for a solid hour. This helps everything meld together beautifully. After an hour, take off the foil—this is key for getting that glorious golden, bubbly top! Bake it uncovered for another 15 minutes. Just imagine the cheese bubbling and browning; it’s pure comfort food magic! Once done, let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before digging in. This little break allows the layers to set beautifully, making it easier to serve. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Tips for Success
To make your *hamburger potato casserole 2* absolutely irresistible, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to experiment with seasoning. A sprinkle of garlic powder or some Italian herbs can really elevate the flavors. If you want to switch things up with cheese, try mixing in some Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a bit of a kick! And here’s a little secret: you can prepare this casserole in advance. Just assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and pop it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This way, all those flavors meld together beautifully overnight. Plus, it makes weeknight dinners a breeze! Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold casserole.
Nutritional Information
While I’m not a nutritionist, and the exact numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients or brands you use, I can share that this *hamburger potato casserole 2* is generally a hearty meal packed with protein and flavor! Each serving gives you a nice boost of energy with about 25 grams of protein, which is great for those busy days. Plus, it’s got a good amount of carbohydrates to keep you fueled. Just remember, the combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese brings in some richness, so it’s a filling dish that’s perfect for cozy nights. Always keep in mind that if you’re looking to adjust the recipe for dietary needs, there are plenty of alternatives you can explore. Enjoy your casserole guilt-free, knowing it’s a comforting classic that can fit into a balanced diet!
FAQ Section
Can I make *hamburger potato casserole 2* ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge!
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully! For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. They’ll absorb all those delicious flavors just like the beef.
How should I store leftovers?
To store any leftover *hamburger potato casserole 2*, make sure it’s cooled down first. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Adding veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or even corn can enhance the flavors and provide extra nutrition. Just be sure to chop them finely and maybe sauté them a bit before layering so they cook through nicely.
Is this casserole suitable for a low-calorie diet?
While this *hamburger potato casserole 2* is hearty and comforting, you can make it a bit lighter by using lean ground beef or turkey, low-fat cheese, and reducing the amount of potatoes. There are always ways to adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs while still enjoying this delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time means you can whip this up even on busy nights!
- Satisfying flavors that combine savory beef, creamy soup, and cheesy goodness.
- A family-friendly dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
- Hearty and filling—perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with loved ones.
- Versatile; you can customize with your favorite cheeses or add veggies for an extra boost.
- Leftovers taste just as good (if not better!) the next day, making it a great meal prep option.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *hamburger potato casserole 2* properly is key to enjoying those delicious leftovers! Once the casserole has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
For reheating, you can pop individual portions in the microwave for a quick fix, but I prefer reheating the whole casserole in the oven to maintain that wonderful texture. Cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s heated through. Just remove the foil for the last few minutes for a nice, bubbly top! Trust me, it’ll taste just as good as the first time!
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Hamburger Potato Casserole 2: Comfort Food That Delights
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty and comforting casserole featuring layers of hamburger, potatoes, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 4 cups sliced potatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef with the diced onion in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the beef.
- In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and milk.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased casserole dish.
- Add half of the meat mixture on top of the potatoes.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the meat.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese over the soup.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or herbs.
- Use different types of cheese for variety.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: hamburger potato casserole, beef casserole, potato casserole, cheesy casserole
