Hamburger and Potato Casserole

A Hamburger and Potato Casserole (often called a cowboy casserole or cheesy beef and potato bake) is ultimate comfort food—creamy, savory, and loaded with melted cheese.

## Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ¼-inch thick)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream or milk (milk makes it lighter, sour cream makes it richer)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus extra to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for richness)
• Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

• 1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
• 2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is completely browned and the onions are soft (about 6–8 minutes). Drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
• 3. Mix the Cream Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed soup and sour cream (or milk) until smooth.
• 4. Layer the Casserole:
  • First Layer: Arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Second Layer: Spoon half of the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
  • Third Layer: Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef, and sprinkle with ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Repeat: Add the remaining sliced potatoes, the rest of the ground beef, the remaining soup mixture, and top it all with the rest of the cheddar cheese.
• 5. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil (this traps the steam so the potatoes cook through tenderly). Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
• 6. Brown the Top: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
• 7. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving so the layers can set. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Pro Tip: If you want to cut down on baking time, you can microwave your sliced potatoes in a bowl with a splash of water for 4 to 5 minutes to soften them up slightly before layering them into the dish!