Quick As A Wink
A hearty and comforting casserole featuring seasoned ground beef layered over sliced potatoes, all baked with creamy soups for rich flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines savory tastes with minimal prep, making it an easy and satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice raw potatoes and place them in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Crumble the hamburger over the potatoes.
- Add the undiluted cream of celery soup and cream of chicken soup evenly over the meat and potatoes.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
- Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of baking to brown the top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced onions or garlic to the hamburger. If you're short on time, you can use frozen hash browns instead of raw potatoes, which will cook more quickly. Feel free to substitute the cream of chicken or celery soup with any other cream soup you prefer, such as cream of mushroom. This dish is versatile and can be adapted to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs well with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a comforting twist, try serving it alongside mashed potatoes or rice. It’s perfect for family dinners or as a comforting dish to bring to potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven will help retain the dish's original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick As A Wink contains roughly 323 calories, with 12g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1397mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for hamburger if you're looking for a leaner option. It will still provide a delicious flavor, especially when seasoned well. Just be cautious not to overcook it to maintain moisture.
What can I do if I don't have cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom or even a homemade white sauce. Just ensure to season it well to enhance the flavors. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your pantry's offerings.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to this dish, consider mixing in a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the hamburger before cooking. You can also top it with jalapeños or serve with a spicy salsa on the side for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).