Cheesy French Onion Hamburger Casserole
A delightful combination of comforting flavors in a creamy, cheesy casserole that brings warmth and joy to any dinner table.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef (or any ground meat you prefer) Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced Adds sweet and savory depth.
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced For an aromatic punch.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste Offers richness.
- 1 tablespoon salt-free garlic herb seasoning Like Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb for balanced flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Enhances umami notes.
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon Powder or paste.
- 0.5 cup water Or use low sodium beef broth.
Potato Base
- 2.5 lbs russet or yellow potatoes, peeled and chopped Chopped into bite-sized pieces for comfort.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For drizzling richness.
- 1 oz Lipton Onion Soup Mix Perfect for that classic French onion flavor.
Creamy Mixture
- 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup Or any cream soup of your choice for creaminess.
- 0.5 cup milk Adding a silky texture.
- 2 teaspoons black pepper For a bit of a kick.
Toppings
- 2 cups freshly grated Colby Jack cheese Or cheese of your choice.
- 1-2 cups crispy fried onions For a satisfying crunch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is cooked through and the onions are soft. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic herb seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon, and water or beef broth, and simmer on low.
- Microwave or parboil the chopped potatoes until slightly tender.
- In a baking dish, toss the potatoes with olive oil and Lipton Onion Soup Mix.
Assembly
- Spread the beef mixture over the potatoes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper, then pour over the casserole.
Baking
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil, top with cheese and crispy onions, and bake uncovered for another 7 to 10 minutes.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Allow the casserole to rest after baking for the best texture.