Here is the recipe for Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole:
**Ingredients:**
* 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups frozen french fries
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1 cup crushed potato chips (optional)
* Fresh parsley or chopped chives, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, frozen french fries, and shredded cheddar cheese.
6. In a separate bowl, mix the milk and butter until well combined.
7. Pour the milk and butter mixture over the ground beef and potato mixture, and stir until everything is well coated.
8. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with crushed potato chips (if using).
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the potatoes are tender.
10. Sprinkle with additional shredded cheese and parsley or chives (if using) before serving.
**Tips for correct cooking techniques:**
* Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly to get the best flavor.
* Don't overmix the potato mixture with the milk and butter mixture, or the potatoes will become mushy.
* Keep an eye on the casserole while it's baking, as the potato chips can burn easily.
* Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
**Other versions you can try:**
* **Spicy Version:** Add diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for an extra kick.
* **Italian-Style Version:** Add chopped bell peppers, chopped fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the potato mixture.
* **Mexican-Style Version:** Add cooked black beans, diced tomatoes, and shredded pepper jack cheese to the potato mixture.
* **Cheesy Version:** Add additional shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or American, to the potato mixture.
* **Veggie-Packed Version:** Add cooked carrots, peas, and diced bell peppers to the potato mixture.
Some other ingredients you could use to customize this recipe include:
* Chopped mushrooms
* Diced bell peppers
* Sliced black olives
* Fresh cilantro
* Grated carrots
* Cooked broccoli
* Sliced scallions
* Chopped cooked chicken or bacon
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations to create your own unique flavors!
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