Description
Comforting pioneer woman hamburger potato casserole combines hearty ground beef with creamy potatoes in classic midwestern style. Cheesy layers meld together for a satisfying family dinner that promises warmth and nostalgia on your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
- 1 cup (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups (720 ml) peeled and thinly sliced potatoes
- 1 (10.5 oz / 298 g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
- ½ cup (75 g) chopped onion
- salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart baking dish for optimal cooking performance.
- Meat Transformation: Sear ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, continuously breaking and browning the meat until golden crumbles form, then meticulously drain excess fat to ensure a lean protein base.
- Flavor Fusion: Combine condensed cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, diced onions, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until a smooth, harmonious sauce emerges.
- Strategic Layering: Create a foundational layer of sliced potatoes in the baking dish, evenly distributing the soup mixture and crumbled ground beef to establish a robust flavor profile, repeating the process to build multiple interconnected strata.
- Baking Perfection: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 1 to 1.25 hours until potato slices become tender and edges turn a tempting golden brown.
- Cheese Finale: During the last 5-7 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a luxurious melted crust that adds a final layer of rich, creamy indulgence.
Notes
- Potato Prep Power: Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Fat Drainage Trick: Thoroughly drain ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and maintain a lighter, more appetizing meal.
- Layering Technique: Create balanced layers with equal distribution of potatoes, meat, and soup mixture for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Cheese Timing Matters: Add cheese only in the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden, melted topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 930 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg