Scalloped Hamburger
From my late mother's copy of "Favorite Recipes of the Aetna Girls," August, 1975 [Toledo, Ohio]. This recipe submitted by Claire Levine (my mother), Customer Service Dept.
From my late mother's copy of "Favorite Recipes of the Aetna Girls," August, 1975 [Toledo, Ohio]. This recipe submitted by Claire Levine (my mother), Customer Service Dept.
- Carbohydrate 8.901 g
- Cholesterol 3 mg
- Fat 1.068 g
- Fiber 0.0900000035762787 g
- Protein 1.488 g
- Saturated Fat 0.5724 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (742g)
- Sodium 927.57 mg
- Sugar 8.81099999642372 g
- Trans Fat 0.1416 g
- Calories 47 calories
Step-by-step
- Use about 1 1/2 lbs. ground round or lean ground chuck.
- Put 2 layers of sliced potatoes in the bottom of a casserole dish, then a layer of thinly sliced onion.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Spread ground beef over this, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and spread lightly with catsup.
- Put another layer of thinly sliced onion on top of the meat, then 2 more layers of sliced potatoes.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Add milk until it just shows below the top layer.
- Bake for about 1 hour at 375 degrees, or until potatoes are tender.
A Taste of Home: My Mother's Scalloped Hamburger
This recipe isn’t just a dish; it’s a journey back in time. It’s a tangible link to my mother, Claire, and a simpler era. I found it tucked away in her well-worn copy of "Favorite Recipes of the Aetna Girls," a collection of culinary treasures from August 1975, a time when "hamburger" meant something different, something fresher, something closer to the ground round or lean ground chuck we'd use today. This isn't just any recipe; it’s a piece of family history, a testament to the kind of home-cooked meals that shaped my childhood. The recipe card itself, with its faded ink and slightly yellowed edges, speaks volumes. It whispers of bustling kitchens, the comforting aroma of baking meat and potatoes, and the warmth of family gathered around a table, sharing stories and laughter over a hearty meal. The simplicity of the ingredients speaks to a time when meals were built on quality, not convenience. It's a recipe that evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of cozy family dinners and the unconditional love that filled our home.
The recipe itself is deceptively straightforward. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and flavorful ground beef, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a touch of catsup, create a comforting dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for a chilly evening, a family gathering, or simply a quiet night in. The beauty of this recipe lies not in its complexity, but in its simplicity. It's a reminder that sometimes the most comforting meals are the ones that require the fewest ingredients and the least amount of fuss. It’s about building flavor through layering, letting each element enhance the others, and creating a symphony of taste that’s both satisfying and memorable. This dish isn’t just about nourishment; it's about connection, memory, and the enduring power of a mother's love, passed down through generations, one delicious meal at a time.
Thinking about this recipe, I’m reminded of all the family meals we shared, the laughter and conversations that filled our dining room, the way the aroma of baking food filled our house with a comforting warmth. It's more than just a recipe; it's a gateway to treasured memories, a connection to my past, and a legacy I’m proud to carry forward. It's a symbol of home, of family, and of the enduring power of simple, delicious food. The taste of this scalloped hamburger is not just a taste of the past, but a taste of home.
While I've never actually made this specific recipe myself, I intend to very soon. The image of the layered potatoes, onions, and ground beef, simmering gently in the oven, filling our kitchen with its comforting aroma, is incredibly appealing. It's a recipe that speaks to the heart, a recipe that tells a story, a recipe that embodies the spirit of home cooking in its purest form. This is more than just cooking; it’s an act of love, a celebration of family, and a delicious reminder of the enduring power of simple, wholesome food.
