Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

In the vast culinary universe, there are dishes that stand out not just for their delightful flavors but also for their efficiency. This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a testament to that balance. It's rich, savory, and undeniably delicious, offering a depth that goes beyond its simple ingredients. And the best part? It takes less than 3 minutes of preperation per serving, making it a go-to for those busy nights. Dive in and experience a dish that's both time-conscious and tantalizingly tasty.

Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Yield: Serves 6-8

Serving Size: Approximately 2 cups

Ingredients:

Meat Mixture:

• 1 lb 95% lean ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small can of diced chili peppers (drained)
• 1 small can of tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Layers:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled, thinly sliced
• Grated cheddar, enough for 2 layers of generous coverage
• Panko breadcrumbs, for added crunch on top

Toppings:

• Creme fraiche
• Optional: Parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare Meat Mixture:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent.
   • Add ground beef to the skillet and brown it. Season with salt and pepper.
   • Stir in the tomato paste and diced chili peppers.
   • Pour in the beef broth and simmer until the mixture thickens slightly. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Casserole:
   • In a 3-quart casserole dish, layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes.
   • Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar over the potatoes.
   • Spread the meat mixture evenly over the cheese.
   • Layer the remaining potatoes on top.
   • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the potatoes.
   • Top with a generous amount of panko breadcrumbs.
3. Bake:
   • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 60-75 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
   • Let the casserole cool 10-15 minutes before serving.
4. Serve:
   • Top individual portions with a dollop of creme fraiche.
   • Garnish with parsley or chives if desired.

Notes:

The chili peppers in this recipe serve as a flavor enhancer. Adjust the amount based on your preference.