Hamburger and Potato Casserole

When the day’s been long and dinner feels like another form of work—when the snack drawer has become too familiar—this casserole is your cozy rescue. It’s the comforting, no-fuss answer to “what’s for dinner?”—savory, bubbling, and altogether soothing.

What You’ll Need (serves about 6):

• 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 is my go-to—tasty but not greasy; swap with turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumble if you prefer)
• 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold for creamy richness, russets for fluffier texture—slice thin for even cooking)
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken/celery; dairy-free versions work too)
• ½ cup milk to thin the soup (dairy or plant-based—leftover half & half gives a luxe twist)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar packs a punch, but use any melty cheese on hand)
• Salt and pepper—don’t skip it. Season the beef as you brown it, and lightly season the potatoes too. Go wild with paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning if you like.

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—trust me, the cheesy edges stick without it.
2. Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling it until there’s no pink left. Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess fat.
3. Layer potatoes: Arrange a neat layer of thin potato slices in the prepared dish. Imperfect slices? Rustic charm counts.
4. Mix sauce: Stir together the soup and milk in a bowl until smooth. A whisk or fork does the job.
5. Assemble: Spread browned beef evenly over the potatoes, then pour the soup‑milk blend over top.
6. Bake: Pop it in the oven for 1 hour. Then, remove, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for another 15 minutes—until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Rest: Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving so the layers settle beautifully.

Why It Works:

• Five ingredients (plus salt & pepper) mean fuss-free prep and cleanup.
• It’s versatile—feel free to swap soups, potatoes, proteins, or cheeses and still end up with something delicious.
• Comfort food at its core—rich, creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible on a tired evening.

Helpful Tips:

• Want a little flair? Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on the finished casserole.
• Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to cut through the richness