Below is a complete, cleanly formatted recipe guide for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, with no wide lines or separators as you requested.
Introduction
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a warm, hearty, and comforting dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknights when you crave something satisfying and simple. Combining tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy melted cheese, it delivers the classic flavors of homestyle cooking in one easy bake.
Origin
While there is no single documented origin, casseroles like this one became popular in mid-20th-century American households, especially during the 1950s and 1960s. They provided an economical, filling meal that was convenient to prepare and ideal for feeding families on a budget.
Cultural Significance
Casseroles hold a strong place in American comfort-food culture. They symbolize warmth, togetherness, and practicality. This dish often appears at family gatherings, community meals, and events where nourishment and comfort are priorities. It reflects a tradition of stretching simple ingredients into generous, shareable meals.
Ingredients (with Quantities)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 4–5 medium potatoes)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing)
Optional Additions
- 1 cup frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables
- ½ cup sour cream for extra creaminess
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce for depth
- Green onions or parsley for garnish
- Pepper jack cheese for added spice
Tips for Success
- Slice potatoes thinly and evenly for consistent cooking.
- Pre-cook the beef thoroughly and drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to soften the potatoes.
- Remove foil near the end to brown the cheese beautifully.
- If you prefer extra creamy texture, mix in sour cream or additional milk.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside.
- Whisk together cream soup and milk in a bowl until smooth.
- Layer half the sliced potatoes in the baking dish.
- Add half the cooked beef mixture.
- Pour half the soup mixture over the top and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes.
- Remove foil, add remaining cheese, and bake for another 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Description
This casserole features layers of soft, buttery potatoes combined with seasoned ground beef and a creamy sauce that melds everything together. The melted cheddar on top adds richness and irresistible golden color, making each bite warm, gooey, and comforting.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Calcium: 250mg
(Values vary based on ingredient choices.)
Conclusion
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a wholesome, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and loved by both kids and adults. Its simple ingredients come together to create a comforting meal suitable for any day of the week.
Recommendation
Serve with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or warm dinner rolls to create a complete and balanced meal. For a lighter option, pair it with roasted broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This casserole proves that comfort foods don’t have to be complicated or unhealthy. With thoughtful ingredient choices—like leaner beef, reduced-sodium soup, or added vegetables—you can indulge joyfully while still supporting a balanced lifestyle. Enjoy comfort, flavor, and nourishment in every bite.
If you’d like, I can format this into a printable recipe card or add variations like spicy, gluten-free, or slow-cooker versions!