Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 can cheddar cheese soup (14 oz)
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2½ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 400°F. This comforting casserole is going to fill your kitchen with the most amazing aromas!
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, and heavy cream until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture is what makes the casserole so rich and delicious.
3. Slice the Potatoes: Wash and dry your potatoes thoroughly, then use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice them into thin ⅛-inch slices. Thin slices are key - they'll cook evenly and become perfectly tender in the hour baking time.
4. Brown the Beef: Heat a large 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking and breaking up the meat until it's nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Drain off excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate.
5. Start Layering: In the same skillet (or a greased 9x13 baking dish), create your first layer: arrange one-third of the sliced potatoes in an overlapping pattern, then pour one-third of the cheese sauce over them, followed by one-third of the browned beef.
6. Continue Layering: Repeat the layering process two more times: potatoes, sauce, beef, then potatoes, sauce, beef again. Don't add the shredded cheese yet - that goes on at the end for the perfect golden top.
7. Bake Until Tender: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are fork-tender when you poke them with a knife. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes to set up - this makes it much easier to serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy this ultimate comfort food dinner!
Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
Ingredients
For the filling:
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 small onion, finely diced
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp pickle relish or 2 tbsp finely chopped pickles
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the rolls:
10-12 egg roll wrappers
1 egg, beaten, for sealing
Oil for frying
Optional dipping sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp mustard
1 tsp pickle relish
Instructions
1. Make the filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish. Cook for 1-2 more minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese once the mixture is warm, not piping hot, so it gets melty without turning oily.
2. Roll them up
Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of filling into the center.
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly. Brush the top corner with beaten egg to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Fry until crispy
Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F.
Fry the egg rolls in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Make the dipping sauce
Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish in a small bowl until smooth.
Serve
Serve hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
Tips
Cool the filling first so the wrappers do not get soggy or tear.
Do not overfill or the rolls may burst while frying.
For an air fryer version, spray lightly with oil and cook at 390°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway.
Fried Mac Cheese Balls
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked mac and cheese, chilled and firm
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
Instructions:
1. Chill the Mac and Cheese: If using freshly made mac and cheese, refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm and cold. This is crucial for the balls to hold their shape.
2. Season and Mix: In a large bowl, mix the chilled mac and cheese with shredded cheddar (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Form the Balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying.
4. Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs mixed with milk in the second, and panko mixed with Parmesan, salt, and pepper in the third.
5. Bread the Balls: Working one at a time, roll each ball in flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with panko mixture, pressing gently to help coating stick. Return to baking sheet.
6. Final Freeze: Freeze the breaded balls for another 15 minutes before frying. This extra step prevents them from falling apart in the hot oil.
7. Heat the Oil: Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot or deep skillet to 350°F. Use a thermometer to maintain proper temperature.
8. Fry in Batches: Carefully add balls to hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy all over.
9. Drain and Serve: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel-lined plates. Serve immediately while hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauces.
Cheesy Ham Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Yukon or russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 10.4 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 10.4 ounces cheddar cheese soup
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prep the oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Prepare the potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into uniform ¾-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking. Rinse the diced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, then drain well.
3. Mix the casserole base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, onion, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese soup, diced ham, and sour cream. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Combine thoroughly: Stir everything together until the potatoes and ham are evenly coated with the creamy soup mixture. Make sure all ingredients are well distributed.
5. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. The liquid should just cover the potatoes - if it seems dry, add a splash of milk.
6. Top with cheese and bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
7. Finish uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-20 minutes more until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve hot in generous portions.
Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 28-ounce bag shoestring French fries
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon dried onion flakes
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the French fries: Preheat your air fryer and cook the shoestring French fries according to package directions until golden and crispy. If you don't have an air fryer, bake them in a 425°F oven following package instructions.
2. Prep for assembly: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 7x11 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
3. Brown the beef and onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking for 8-10 minutes while breaking up the meat until no pink remains and onions are softened.
4. Add garlic and seasonings: Add minced garlic to the beef mixture and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain off any excess grease.
5. Make the creamy base: Add both cans of soup (cream of mushroom and cheddar cheese) to the beef mixture. Stir until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the cooked French fries, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
7. Bake until bubbly: Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the fries are heated through.
8. Make sauce and serve: While the casserole bakes, whisk together all burger sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Drizzle the sauce over the hot casserole before serving, or serve it on the side for dipping.
Bacon Ranch Mac Cheese Quesadilla
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked macaroni and cheese
- 6 strips crispy bacon, chopped
- 3 tbsp ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
Instructions:
1. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine your cooked mac and cheese with the chopped crispy bacon and ranch dressing. Mix everything together until well combined - this creamy, bacon-loaded filling is going to be amazing inside those tortillas.
2. Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay a flour tortilla flat on your work surface. Spread a generous portion of the mac and cheese mixture on one half of the tortilla. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the filling, then fold the empty half over to create a half-moon shape.
3. Cook Until Golden: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place your quesadilla in the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted and bubbly inside.
4. Slice and Serve: Remove the quesadilla from heat and let it cool for just a minute, then slice into wedges. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve immediately while it's still hot and the cheese is perfectly gooey.
Easy Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese
Ingredients:
- 4 slices thick-cut sandwich bread
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 slices pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Prep the bread: Spread 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce evenly on one side of each bread slice. Don't use too much or the bread will get soggy.
2. Layer the filling: On the sauce side of one bread slice, layer half the mozzarella cheese, then arrange the pepperoni slices, and top with the remaining cheese. This ensures the pepperoni stays in place.
3. Assemble the sandwich: Place the second bread slice on top, sauce side down, pressing gently to help everything stick together.
4. Butter the outside: Spread softened butter evenly on both outer sides of the sandwich. This creates that perfect golden, crispy crust.
5. Start grilling: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
6. Flip and finish: Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula and cook the other side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.
7. Rest and serve: Remove from heat and let the sandwich rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing diagonally. This helps the cheese set slightly and prevents it from oozing out.
Mac Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups cooked macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Cook the Seasoned Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's nicely browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
2. Make the Mac and Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine your cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, ketchup, and mustard. Add the cooked seasoned beef and mix everything together until well combined. This filling is going to be absolutely loaded with flavor!
3. Assemble the Rolls: Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface. Spoon a generous portion of the mac and cheese beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly like burritos, tucking in the sides as you go to keep all that delicious filling inside.
4. Toast Until Golden: Brush each roll all over with melted butter - this is what gives them that beautiful golden crust. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the rolls seam-side down first, then rotate them every 2-3 minutes until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
5. Slice and Serve: Let the rolls cool for just a minute, then slice them in half to show off that amazing filling. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce - ranch, sriracha mayo, or even more ketchup and mustard work great!