### **Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe**
#### **Introduction**
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes into one satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, this casserole is both filling and delicious, offering a savory combination of textures with each bite. It’s the perfect dish to feed a hungry group, and its cheesy, savory profile makes it a favorite among all ages.
#### **Origin**
The casserole, as a cooking style, has roots in American comfort food, with its origins closely tied to the post-World War II era, when convenience and hearty meals were a priority. The combination of hamburger, potatoes, and cheese draws on traditional American tastes, emphasizing affordable, easily accessible ingredients. Versions of this casserole have evolved over time, with regional variations incorporating different vegetables, spices, and cheeses. The dish likely grew in popularity due to its simplicity, versatility, and ability to stretch a meal to feed a larger group.
#### **Cultural Significance**
In American households, casseroles have long been a symbol of home-cooked comfort and practicality. They’re often seen at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday dinners. The Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole embodies the quintessential qualities of these meals—budget-friendly, filling, and easy to prepare. It is a dish that brings people together, representing the heart of home cooking in many households.
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#### **Ingredients & Quantity**
– **1 lb ground beef**
– **4 medium potatoes**, peeled and thinly sliced
– **1 medium onion**, chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **2 cups shredded cheddar cheese**
– **1 cup sour cream**
– **1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup**
– **1/2 cup milk**
– **1/2 teaspoon salt**
– **1/4 teaspoon black pepper**
– **1/2 teaspoon paprika** (optional, for added flavor)
– **2 tablespoons olive oil** (for sautéing)
– **1/4 cup fresh parsley** (optional, for garnish)
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#### **Optional Additions**
– **1/2 cup cooked bacon bits** for extra flavor
– **1 cup frozen peas** or **corn kernels** for added vegetables
– **1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes** for a spicy kick
– **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese** to add depth to the cheese layer
– **Chopped bell peppers** or **mushrooms** to increase the veggie content
– **1/2 teaspoon onion powder** or **garlic powder** for more seasoning options
– **Tater tots** instead of sliced potatoes for a fun twist
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#### **Tips for Success**
1. **Pre-cook the Ground Beef**: Brown the ground beef in a skillet with onions and garlic to develop a deep flavor. Drain any excess fat before combining it with the other ingredients.
2. **Thinly Slice Potatoes**: Use a mandoline slicer to ensure the potato slices are uniform in thickness, ensuring they cook evenly and quickly in the casserole.
3. **Layer the Ingredients**: Layer the potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese in a baking dish to create a perfect balance of flavors throughout the casserole.
4. **Use Full-Fat Dairy for Creaminess**: For the creamiest results, opt for full-fat sour cream, cheese, and cream of mushroom soup.
5. **Cover While Baking**: Cover the casserole with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the potatoes from drying out, and uncover it in the final 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and turn golden.
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#### **Instructions**
1. **Preheat the oven** to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. **Cook the Ground Beef**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. **Prepare the Sauce**: In a bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until smooth.
4. **Layer the Casserole**: Start by layering half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef mixture, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
5. **Bake the Casserole**: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. **Garnish and Serve**: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
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#### **Description**
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines layers of creamy potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheddar cheese. The blend of sour cream and cream of mushroom soup creates a velvety sauce that binds the ingredients together, while the paprika and seasonings add a warm, aromatic touch. The casserole is both hearty and indulgent, with each bite offering a satisfying mix of textures—creamy, cheesy, and savory.
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#### **Nutritional Information**
(Per serving, assuming 8 servings)
– **Calories**: 380
– **Fat**: 22g
– Saturated Fat: 9g
– **Carbohydrates**: 30g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sugar: 3g
– **Protein**: 19g
– **Cholesterol**: 45mg
– **Sodium**: 640mg
– **Potassium**: 900mg
– **Calcium**: 15% DV
– **Iron**: 10% DV
*Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and modifications to the recipe.*
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#### **Conclusion**
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a beloved comfort food that brings together rich, hearty ingredients in one satisfying dish. Its versatility allows for variations based on personal tastes or dietary needs, making it suitable for different occasions and preferences. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a simple weeknight dinner, this casserole delivers a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
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#### **Recommendation & Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
While this casserole is undeniably delicious, it can be made healthier with a few simple tweaks. Consider using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, substituting low-fat dairy options, or adding more vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition. If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, you can replace some of the potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb version. By making these small adjustments, you can still enjoy the indulgence of this casserole while embracing a more health-conscious approach to your meals.