Sometimes you just need a meal that works. No fancy stuff. Just good food that fills you up.
This Hamburger Potato Delight is that meal. It’s a simple casserole with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese.
It’s easy to make and everyone likes it. Let’s get to it.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large bowl
Pro Tips
Use Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes hold their shape well when baked. They won’t turn to mush in your casserole.
Shred Your Own Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking stuff on it. Shredding a block yourself makes it melt better.
Don’t Crowd the Potatoes
Lay the potato slices in even layers. This helps them cook all the way through. Piling them up leads to undercooked spots.
Let It Rest
After you pull it from the oven, let the casserole sit for 10 minutes. This helps it set, so it’s not a runny mess when you serve it.
How to Make Hamburger Potato Delight
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned. Drain off any extra grease.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until you can smell it.
Step 4: In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Add the cooked beef mixture, the sliced potatoes, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese to the bowl. Stir everything together gently until the potatoes are coated.
Step 6: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Step 7: Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
Step 8: Remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top.
Step 9: Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Substitutions and Variations
You can change things up easily. Not everything is set in stone.
| Ingredient | Substitute With |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Ground turkey, chicken |
| Cheddar Cheese | Mozzarella, Colby Jack |
| Cream of Mushroom | Cream of chicken, celery |
| Onion | Onion powder |
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prep this dish ahead of time.
Assemble the entire casserole but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven. You might need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Information and Pairings
Here’s a look at what you’re eating and what to serve with it.
Estimated Nutrition
This is just an estimate. It changes based on your exact ingredients.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
Dietary Swaps
Need to fit a certain diet? Here are some ideas.
| Diet | How to Adjust |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free cream soup |
| Lower Carb | Swap potatoes with cauliflower |
| Dairy-Free | Use dairy-free cheese & soup |
Meal Pairing Suggestions
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette.
- Steamed green beans or broccoli.
- Dinner rolls to soak up any sauce.
Cooking Time Efficiency
- Slice the potatoes while the beef is browning.
- Use a food processor to slice potatoes quickly.
- Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking.
Leftovers and Storage
Got leftovers? They’re great for lunch the next day.
Let the casserole cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can reheat individual servings in the microwave. Or, you can reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until it’s warmed through.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Ans: Yes, you can use frozen hash browns or sliced potatoes. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Q2. My potatoes are still hard. What did I do wrong?
Ans: You probably sliced them too thick. Slice them about 1/8-inch thick to make sure they cook through. Covering with foil for the first part of baking is also key.
Q3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Ans: Yes. Bake it first, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Wrapping Up
This Hamburger Potato Delight is a solid, dependable meal. It’s not going to win any beauty contests, but it gets the job done.
Go make it.
When you’re done, come back and leave a comment. Let me know how it turned out.
