Quick and Easy Three-layer Hamburger Casserole

Three-layer Hamburger Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef, Corn, Tater Tots, and Cream of Mushroom

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 to 1.5 hour | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

This Quick and Easy Three-layer Hamburger Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. With layers of ground beef, corn, tater tots, and cream of mushroom soup, this casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

History

The origins of this recipe are unclear, but it is a classic comfort food dish that has been enjoyed by many families for generations. The combination of ground beef, corn, tater tots, and cream of mushroom soup creates a hearty and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) ground beef
1 can of whole kernel corn
1 package of frozen tater tots
1 can of cream of mushroom soup

How to prepare

Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
Layer the ingredients in the given order.
Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours in an oven preheated to 350°F (177°C).

Variations

Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
Add some diced bell peppers or onions to the ground beef for extra flavor.
Use a different cream soup, such as cream of chicken or cream of celery, for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly before layering it in the casserole dish.

- Be sure to evenly distribute the ingredients in each layer to ensure that every bite is delicious.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite seasonings or vegetables to the mix.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the main cooking technique for this casserole, but you can also brown the ground beef on the stovetop before assembling the casserole.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe by swapping out ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can use different vegetables, meats, or soups to create a unique version of this casserole.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. This is a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a cute and personalized presentation. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs or grated cheese for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

This casserole is a carb-heavy dish, with the tater tots and corn providing a good amount of carbohydrates. Each serving contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The ground beef and cream of mushroom soup in this casserole contribute to the fat content. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

The ground beef is the main source of protein in this dish, with each serving containing approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This casserole provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream of mushroom soup) and gluten (tater tots), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Overall, this casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my mother. As I turned the pages, a picture of a mouthwatering three-layer hamburger casserole caught my eye. I could almost smell the savory aroma wafting from the pages, and I knew I had to try making it.

I had always been passionate about cooking, and I loved experimenting with new recipes. This one seemed like the perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness. I decided then and there that I would master the art of making this three-layer hamburger casserole.

I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. The first layer consisted of ground beef cooked with onions and garlic until brown and fragrant. The second layer was a creamy mixture of sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheddar cheese. The final layer was a topping of crushed cornflakes mixed with melted butter for a crunchy finish.

As the casserole baked in the oven, my kitchen filled with the most enticing aroma. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the results of my labor. When it finally emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling, I knew I had created something truly special.

I served the casserole to my family that evening, and it was an instant hit. The layers of flavors and textures combined perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying. My husband and children couldn't get enough, and they begged me to make it again soon.

From that day on, the three-layer hamburger casserole became a staple in our household. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a cozy weeknight dinner. It never failed to impress, and I was proud to have discovered such a delicious recipe.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors who were equally impressed by its simplicity and flavor. They were amazed that something so delicious could be so quick and easy to make. The three-layer hamburger casserole became a favorite among my circle of friends, and I was known as the go-to person for dinner party recipes.

As time went on, I continued to tweak and perfect the recipe, adding my own twist here and there. I experimented with different types of cheese, spices, and even vegetables to create new variations of the casserole. Each one was met with rave reviews, and I loved the creativity and joy that cooking brought me.

One day, I was visiting a dear friend who had recently moved to a new town. She was feeling homesick and missed the comforting taste of home-cooked meals. I knew just what to do. I whipped up a batch of my three-layer hamburger casserole and brought it over to her house.

As she took her first bite, a look of pure happiness spread across her face. She thanked me profusely and said that the casserole reminded her of the meals her own grandmother used to make. I felt a surge of pride knowing that my recipe had brought her comfort and joy in a time of need.

From that moment on, I realized the power of sharing recipes and the memories they hold. Each dish tells a story, a journey of flavors and traditions passed down through generations. The three-layer hamburger casserole may have started as just a recipe in a cookbook, but it had become so much more to me.

As I continue to cook and create in the kitchen, I always keep in mind the joy and connection that food can bring. Every time I make the three-layer hamburger casserole, I think of that rainy afternoon when I first discovered the recipe and how it brought so much happiness to my family and friends. Cooking is not just about nourishing our bodies, but also our souls, and I am grateful for the memories and love that each dish brings to my table.