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- 1 lb ground beef - 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup The main ingredients create a rich base for the dish. Ground beef gives flavor and protein. Potatoes add heartiness and texture. Cream of mushroom soup binds everything together, adding creaminess. - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Seasoning is key to a great taste. Worcestershire sauce enhances the beef's flavor. Dried thyme brings in a hint of earthiness. Cheese adds richness and melty goodness that everyone loves. - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Serving suggestions: crusty bread Garnishes elevate the dish. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal. It soaks up the tasty sauce and makes each bite enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I brown the ground beef in a skillet. I use medium heat for this step. Once the beef starts to brown, I add the diced onion and minced garlic. I stir everything until the beef is fully cooked and the onions turn clear. This usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes. After that, I drain any fat from the pan to keep my dish light and tasty. Now, I grab a large bowl and mix the cream of mushroom soup with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. I stir this well until it blends nicely. Next, I prepare my greased crockpot. I layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. On top of that, I spoon half of the beef mixture and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese. I repeat this with the rest of the potatoes, beef, and cheese to ensure even distribution. With everything layered, I cover the crockpot. I can choose to cook it on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. I prefer the low setting for a more tender dish. No matter the setting, I check for doneness by poking the potatoes with a fork. They should be soft, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. To avoid a watery sauce, use less beef broth. Start with half a cup. If the mix looks too dry, add more later. Always drain excess fat from the beef. This keeps your casserole creamy and not soupy. For potatoes, use Yukon Gold or Russet. They hold their shape well and cook evenly. Slice them thin. Thinner slices cook better and blend nicely with the beef and cheese. You can try other meats like ground turkey or chicken. These options still taste great. If you want a meatless dish, use beans or lentils. They add protein and are filling too. Adjust for dietary needs by using gluten-free soup. This makes the dish safe for gluten-sensitive friends. For a lower-fat option, use lean beef or reduce cheese. Serve this meal with crusty bread. It adds texture and soaks up the sauce. A simple green salad pairs well, giving balance to the meal. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds color and a fresh taste. Use small bowls for serving. This makes it feel special and elegant. Pro Tips Layering for Flavor: When layering the ingredients in the crockpot, ensure that the potatoes are well-covered by the beef mixture and cheese to prevent them from drying out during cooking. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix cheeses! Try adding mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Make-Ahead Option: This dish can be assembled the night before and stored in the refrigerator. Just switch on the crockpot in the morning for a hassle-free meal. Garnish for Freshness: Adding fresh parsley right before serving enhances the dish's appearance and adds a burst of freshness to every bite. {{image_2}} You can easily change the veggies in this dish. Swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter taste. You can also add in carrots or peas for color and flavor. Feel free to get creative! When it comes to cheese, cheddar is classic, but you can try others. Mozzarella gives a nice stretch. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick. Mixing cheeses can make your casserole more exciting. Want to spice things up? Adding spices can change the whole dish. Try paprika for a smoky flavor or chili powder for heat. You can also add herbs like oregano or basil for a fresh taste. You can bring in cultural ingredients too. For a Mexican twist, add black beans and corn. For an Italian flair, mix in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. These options can make your casserole feel new and fun. If you want a lighter dish, use lean ground beef or turkey. You can also cut back on cheese for fewer calories. Using low-fat cream of mushroom soup can help too. For a vegan version, replace the beef with lentils or mushrooms. Use a plant-based cream soup or make your own. You can even add more veggies for extra nutrients. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty meal! To keep your hamburger potato casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. Refrigerate it right away if you want to keep it safe. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or oven. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts until warm. In the oven, cover with foil to keep it moist. You can freeze the casserole for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can stay in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven or microwave as before. If stored properly, the casserole can last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If the casserole smells bad or has mold, it is best to throw it away. Look for changes in color or texture as well. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety! Yes, you can use frozen potatoes. They save time and work well in this dish. Just add them directly to the crockpot. There’s no need to thaw. The cooking time may need slight adjustments. Check for tenderness before serving. You can tell it’s done when the potatoes are tender. Insert a fork into the potatoes. If it goes in easily, it’s ready. The cheese should be melted and bubbly too. This usually takes 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Here are some tips for pre-preparing: - Prep ingredients: Slice the potatoes and dice the onion in advance. - Cook the beef mixture: Brown the beef, onion, and garlic, then let it cool. - Layer the casserole: Assemble the layers in the crockpot but don’t cook it yet. - Refrigerate overnight: Cover the crockpot and store it in the fridge. When ready, cook it on low for a delicious meal. This blog post covers everything you need for a tasty casserole. We explored key ingredients like ground beef and potatoes, along with helpful seasonings and garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions and tips to perfect your dish. We also discussed variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Creating this casserole is easy and fun. Experiment with flavors to make it your own! Enjoy cooking and sharing it with family and friends. Your kitchen is ready for a delicious meal!

Melty Hamburger Potato Delight

A hearty and comforting casserole featuring layers of ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring until the beef is cooked through and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and salt and pepper. Mix well until combined.
  • In a greased crockpot, layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, and sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  • Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and top off with the remaining cheddar cheese.
  • Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Once cooked, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Spoon the casserole into individual bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Keyword beef, casserole, cheese, potatoes