Hey my comfort food loving friends! I’ve got a hearty, homey casserole dish to warm you up on chilly nights – my easy hamburger and potato bake loaded with melty cheese. This ultra-indulgent meal is pure cozy comfort in a baking dish! One bite of those crispy browned potatoes and seasoned meat blanketed in oozing creamy cheddar and I instantly melt into my chair. Hunker down with second helpings of this crave-worthy bake on a chilly night!
Come on in, let’s chat over ooey-gooey plates of my simple yet totally scrumptious hamburger and potato casserole. I’ll share my warm and cozy kitchen, pull up a chair by the oven and let you in on all my secrets for making this cold weather crowd-pleaser absolutely perfect every time! With an array of textures from tender potatoes to browned meaty crumbles all brought together by blanket of melty cheese, this bake delivers major comfort food happiness. I’m getting hunger pangs just thinking about it!
So tell me, are you ready to get cooking and fill your home with the incredible aromas of this hearty, homey casserole? Let’s create some major cozy vibes! I’ll walk you through every easy step and those crisp-edged potatoes and beefy flavor will have you going back for seconds and thirds in no time. Come on over…it’s time for some serious comfort food bliss!
Let’s chat about the FAQs for this simple yet totally scrumptious casserole:
What type of ground beef works best?
I prefer 85% lean ground chuck for plenty of rich, beefy flavor. The higher fat content keeps the meat moist and tender. Going too lean can cause dryness.
Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?
Sure! Just cover the assembled unbaked casserole tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
I love mixing starchy russet potatoes and creamy yellow potatoes. The russets get ultra crispy edges while the yellows keep their shape and texture beautifully.
Is cheese really necessary?
Oh yes, gooey melted cheese is vital for binding everything together and gives that indulgent comfort food experience. Omitting it would sacrifice creaminess.
What veggies pair nicely?
I often add frozen corn, peas or green beans for pops of color, texture and extra nutrition. Their sweetness balances the beef.
Now let’s get cooking this ultra comforting meal with:
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1⁄2 pounds 85% lean ground chuck
- 3 medium russet potatoes (peeled, diced 1⁄2-inch)
- 2 medium yellow potatoes (peeled, diced 1⁄2-inch)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 10oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1⁄2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic to skillet. Cook stirring frequently 3-4 minutes until softened.
- In prepared baking dish combine cooked ground beef, potatoes, soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper and stir gently to evenly combine.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes until potatoes are fork tender.
- Uncover and top with remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered 15 minutes more until cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Cooking Tips:
- Allow thicker potato pieces for better texture after baking.
- Brown the ground beef well for fuller flavor.
- Mix in other diced veggies like corn, peas or green beans.
- Substitute Swiss cheese for the cheddar if you prefer.
- Serve with hot sauce or ranch dressing for even more ooey-gooey appeal.
