Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

**1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking.

**2. Cook the Ground Beef:**
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks to ensure it cooks evenly. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Set the cooked beef aside.

**3. Layer the Casserole:**
Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole! Begin by layering the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If you’re using frozen hashbrowns, just spread them out to cover the bottom of the dish. Top the potatoes with half of the shredded cheddar cheese, followed by the cooked ground beef mixture, spreading it out evenly over the potatoes and cheese.

**4. Prepare the Sauce:**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. If you’re using sour cream for extra creaminess, add it to the mixture as well. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef layer, spreading it out gently to cover the entire casserole.

**5. Top with Cheese:**
Finish the casserole by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. This will melt into a gooey, golden layer as the casserole bakes, giving it that irresistible cheesy goodness.

**6. Bake the Casserole:**
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble up and turn golden brown. The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender and fully cooked through (you can check by poking them with a fork).

**7. Serve and Garnish:**
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. For a fresh touch, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley (optional). This casserole is great on its own or served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.

#### Tips for Making the Perfect Hamburger Potato Casserole:

– **Use Thinly Sliced Potatoes:** Thinly sliced potatoes will cook faster and more evenly. If you don’t have a mandoline slicer, a sharp knife will work fine; just aim for uniform slices so they cook evenly.

– **Customize with Vegetables:** You can easily sneak in some veggies to boost the nutrition of this dish. Try adding frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers along with the ground beef, or layer in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.

– **Add Seasoning to Taste:** Feel free to get creative with the seasonings. A pinch of smoked paprika, some Italian seasoning, or a dash of cayenne pepper can add some exciting flavors to the casserole.

– **Make It Ahead:** This casserole is great for meal prep! You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge, then bake it when you’re ready to eat. It also freezes well—just bake and cool the casserole, then wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake until heated through.

– **Cheese Options:** While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with different cheese blends. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack will give the casserole a unique twist.

#### Why You’ll Love This Casserole:

– **Quick and Easy:** This casserole is a one-dish meal that comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It’s simple to prep, and you can let it bake while you relax or take care of other tasks.

– **Comforting and Hearty:** Ground beef, potatoes, and cheese are a classic combination that’s hard to beat. This casserole is filling enough to feed a hungry family or provide leftovers for lunch the next day.

– **Customizable:** You can easily adjust this recipe based on what you have in your pantry or fridge. Add more veggies, swap the cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor, or use a different type of meat for variation.

– **Kid-Friendly:** With its cheesy, meaty layers, this casserole is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to get picky eaters to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal.

#### Final Thoughts:

This **Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole** is the definition of comfort food—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t require a lot of time or fancy ingredients, yet delivers a delicious, hearty dinner that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making enough for your family, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

So, the next time you need a quick dinner idea, reach for this easy recipe and treat yourself to a warm, cheesy, and comforting meal. It’s sure to become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation!