Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: A Comforting, Hearty Meal

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prep the Potatoes: Wash, peel (if desired), and thinly slice the potatoes. Thin slices will cook more evenly and become tender in the casserole. Set the potatoes aside.

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it starts to brown. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
Add Onion and Garlic: Once the beef is halfway cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft.
Season the Mixture: Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.

Combine Soup and Milk: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Whisk until smooth.
Add Cheese: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for later). If you’re using sour cream, add it to the mixture now for extra creaminess.
Mix Well: Stir until the cheese is evenly incorporated. This sauce will add a rich, cheesy layer to the casserole.

Start with Potatoes: In a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a single layer of sliced potatoes along the bottom.
Add Beef Mixture: Spoon half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
Spread Cheese Sauce: Pour half of the cheese sauce over the beef layer, spreading it evenly.
Repeat Layers: Add another layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining beef mixture, and top with the remaining cheese sauce.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole for an extra cheesy finish.

Cover with Foil: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help the potatoes cook evenly and prevent the cheese from over-browning.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
Check for Doneness: After an hour, remove the foil and check the potatoes. They should be tender and easily pierced with a fork. If they’re not fully cooked, cover the casserole again and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes.
Remove Foil and Brown: Once the potatoes are tender, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.

Garnish: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Serve: Slice into portions and serve warm. Pair with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Slice Potatoes Thinly and Evenly: Uniform, thin slices help the potatoes cook evenly and reduce baking time. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful here.
Add Veggies for Extra Flavor: For a balanced dish, consider adding frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn to the casserole. They’ll add both color and nutrition.
Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a little heat.
Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
Consider Toppings: For an extra-crispy topping, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking the uncovered portion.