Introduction:
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish – a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying casserole that combines seasoned ground beef with creamy mashed potatoes and a generous topping of melted cheese. This recipe simplifies classic comfort food into an easy-to-assemble casserole, perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave a warm and filling meal that’s guaranteed to please. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s both budget-friendly and incredibly delicious.
Imagine digging into a casserole dish filled with layers of savory, seasoned ground beef, topped with a blanket of fluffy mashed potatoes, and finished with a golden-brown, bubbly cheese crust. The aroma of browned beef, onions, and melting cheese fills the air, promising a comforting and satisfying meal. The texture is a delightful mix of a rich and savory meat base, a creamy and soft potato layer, and a gooey, melted cheese topping. Every bite is a harmonious blend of classic comfort food flavors – the savory ground beef, the creamy potatoes, and the cheesy topping, all baked together into a cohesive and utterly satisfying casserole.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, a potluck dish that’s always a hit, or simply want a taste of classic comfort food with minimal fuss, this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe is an excellent choice. It requires simple pantry staples and ground beef, comes together quickly, and is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready to experience comfort food perfection and understand why sometimes the simplest dishes are the most satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
There are countless reasons why this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe is destined to become a regular in your meal rotation. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep work and straightforward steps. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The “easy” in the title is definitely accurate!
Secondly, the flavor is classic and universally loved, appealing to both kids and adults alike. Ground beef and mashed potatoes are a timeless combination, and when baked together with cheese, they become even more delicious and comforting. It’s a dish that everyone at the table will enjoy, making it a reliable option for family dinners or potlucks.
Finally, it’s wonderfully versatile and adaptable. You can easily customize the seasonings, add different vegetables, use different types of cheese, or even add a creamy sauce layer to create different flavor variations. It’s a great base recipe that allows for personal touches and creative additions to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Plus, it’s perfect for making ahead and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping or potlucks!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create this comforting and Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole, you will need a selection of pantry staples, fresh produce (potatoes and onion), ground beef, and cheese to build its signature hearty and cheesy profile. The key components are, of course, ground beef, potatoes for mashed potatoes, and cheese for topping.
For the ground beef base, you will need ground beef. Ground beef (1 pound, 80/20 blend recommended) is the star of the casserole, providing the savory and hearty base. 80/20 blend ground beef has enough fat for flavor and moisture. Leaner ground beef can also be used, but may result in a slightly drier casserole.
For the potato topping, you will need potatoes and typical mashed potato ingredients. Potatoes (3 pounds, Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered) are essential for the mashed potato topping. Russet potatoes create fluffy mashed potatoes, while Yukon Gold potatoes result in creamier mashed potatoes. Choose based on your mashed potato preference. Milk (1/2 cup, or more as needed) adds creaminess and moisture to the mashed potatoes. Whole milk, 2% milk, or even half-and-half can be used. Adjust amount to achieve desired mashed potato consistency. Butter (4 tablespoons, or 1/2 stick) adds richness and flavor to the mashed potatoes. Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning the mashed potatoes.
For the casserole flavor base and seasonings, you’ll need onion, garlic, beef broth (or water), Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and tomato paste (optional but recommended). Yellow onion (1 medium, diced) adds aromatic sweetness and savory depth to the ground beef base. Diced yellow onion provides flavor throughout the meat layer. Garlic cloves (2-3 cloves, minced) are essential for pungent and aromatic garlic flavor, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Fresh garlic cloves, minced, provide the best garlic flavor. Beef broth (1 cup, low sodium beef broth recommended, or water) adds moisture and savory beef flavor to the ground beef mixture. Low-sodium broth allows for control over salt level and is generally healthier. Water can be substituted if beef broth is not available, but flavor will be slightly less rich. Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon) adds umami depth and savory complexity to the ground beef. Dried thyme (1 teaspoon) adds a classic savory herb note that complements beef and potatoes. Tomato paste (1 tablespoon, optional but recommended) adds a touch of umami depth and slight tang to the ground beef mixture, enhancing the savory flavor. Tomato paste adds subtle depth and richness but can be omitted if preferred.
For the cheesy topping, you will need shredded cheese. Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, or Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend) is classic for topping casseroles, providing cheesy flavor and melt. Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend all work well. Choose your favorite cheese or cheese blend.
Olive oil (or vegetable oil) is used for browning ground beef and sautéing vegetables, adding flavor and preventing sticking. Extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil are both suitable for sautéing and can be used interchangeably.
Optional additions for enhancing the flavor and presentation of the dish include frozen peas or corn (1 cup, added to ground beef mixture, optional) adding vegetables and color to the meat layer. Chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional), adding a pop of color and fresh herbaceous aroma when serving. Paprika (smoked or regular, for sprinkling on cheese topping before baking, optional), adding a subtle smoky flavor or color to the cheese topping.
HOW TO MAKE “Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole”:
Making Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a multi-step culinary process that primarily involves preparing the mashed potatoes, browning and seasoning the ground beef base, layering the ground beef and mashed potatoes in a casserole dish, topping with cheese, and baking until golden brown and bubbly. Making the mashed potatoes and browning the beef are key preparatory steps. Layering is crucial for casserole construction, and baking brings all components together into a cohesive and delicious dish.
The recipe is structured into clear, easy-to-follow steps. It begins with preparing the mashed potatoes (boiling and mashing). Then, the ground beef base is made by browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic, followed by adding seasonings and broth and simmering briefly. Casserole assembly involves layering the ground beef mixture in a baking dish and topping it evenly with mashed potatoes. Finally, shredded cheese is generously sprinkled over the mashed potatoes, and the casserole is baked until golden brown, bubbly, and heated through. Optional garnishes can be added before serving.
By carefully following the step-by-step instructions, even novice cooks can easily achieve delicious and comforting Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole at home. The process, while involving several components, is not overly complex, and the result is a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal that is well worth the effort. Get ready to enjoy classic comfort food made easy!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prepare Mashed Potatoes. Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters or chunks. Cutting potatoes into chunks ensures even and faster cooking. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Covering potatoes with cold water and then bringing to boil helps them cook evenly. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Adding salt seasons potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender (easily pierced with a fork). Boiling potatoes until fork tender ensures they are fully cooked and mash easily. Cooking time may vary depending on potato size and type. Drain the potatoes well in a colander. Draining potatoes thoroughly removes excess water for best mashed potato texture. Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Returning potatoes to pot for mashing and mixing with milk and butter.
Add the milk and butter to the pot with the drained potatoes. Adding milk and butter adds creaminess and richness to mashed potatoes. Use amount of milk to achieve desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Proper seasoning is crucial for flavorful mashed potatoes. Season generously to your liking. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Mashing potatoes until smooth and creamy creates desired mashed potato texture. Adjust milk amount if needed to achieve desired consistency. Set aside the prepared mashed potatoes. Having mashed potatoes ready streamlines casserole assembly.
Step 2: Prepare Ground Beef Base. Heat olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Large skillet provides ample space for browning ground beef and making meat base. Heat oil as base for cooking. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Adding ground beef to skillet to brown. Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Browning ground beef develops deep savory flavor and cooks it through. Cook until ground beef is no longer pink and is browned. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Draining excess grease is important for casserole texture and flavor.
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the browned ground beef (no need to remove beef). Adding onion to skillet with browned beef to sauté in beef rendered fat and flavor. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Sautéing onion softens it and brings out its sweetness, building a flavor base. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1 minute, until fragrant. Adding garlic in the last minute prevents burning and preserves its aromatic flavor. Stir in the beef broth (or water), Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and tomato paste (if using) to the skillet with the ground beef and vegetables. Adding broth, seasonings, and tomato paste to skillet to combine with browned beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Ensure all sauce ingredients are well mixed into beef and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded. Simmering thickens sauce and melds flavors together. Simmer uncovered to allow sauce to reduce and thicken slightly. If using frozen peas or corn, stir them in during the last 2-3 minutes of simmering to heat through. Adding frozen peas/corn in last few minutes prevents overcooking and maintains their texture and color. Taste the ground beef mixture and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, thyme, or Worcestershire sauce to your preference. Proper seasoning is crucial for flavorful ground beef base. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. Remove the skillet from the heat. Set aside the prepared ground beef mixture. Having ground beef mixture ready streamlines casserole assembly.
Step 3: Assemble Casserole. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating oven ensures it reaches correct temperature for baking casserole. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Greasing baking dish prevents casserole from sticking and ensures easy removal. A 9×13 inch dish is a standard size for casserole and provides ample space for layering.
Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spreading ground beef mixture on bottom layer forms the hearty base of casserole. Top the ground beef mixture evenly with the prepared mashed potatoes, spreading them gently to create a smooth layer. Topping beef with mashed potatoes creates the signature potato layer of casserole. Spread mashed potatoes evenly to cover beef and create a smooth top.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your cheese of choice) generously and evenly over the mashed potatoes. Generous cheese topping creates signature cheesy topping and browning. Sprinkle cheese evenly to ensure consistent cheesy topping.
Step 4: Bake Casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and depth of casserole. Casserole is done when cheese is melted, golden brown, bubbly, and casserole is heated through. Do not overbake, as this can dry out the casserole. Watch closely during last few minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning.
Step 5: Rest and Serve. Remove the Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows casserole to set up slightly and makes it easier to serve without falling apart. Cooling slightly prevents burning mouth and allows flavors to meld further. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional) before serving for added visual appeal and fresh flavor. Serve warm, scooping portions to serve. Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty and satisfying comfort food meal. Enjoy this classic casserole!
USEFUL TIPS:
For extra flavorful mashed potatoes, use Yukon Gold potatoes or add roasted garlic cloves to the potatoes before mashing, or use half-and-half or cream instead of milk for extra richness. Yukon Gold potatoes, roasted garlic, half-and-half/cream enhance mashed potato flavor and creaminess.
For a richer ground beef base, use 80/20 ground beef blend, or add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil to the skillet when browning the beef. Higher fat content in ground beef or added fat enhances flavor and richness of beef base.
To prevent dry casserole, ensure there is enough moisture in the ground beef mixture (from broth or water) and do not overbake the casserole. Sufficient moisture in beef base and avoiding overbaking prevents dry casserole.
For a make-ahead option, you can assemble the casserole completely (up to baking) a day ahead of time, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake in the oven the next day, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time as it will be cold from the refrigerator. Assembling casserole ahead saves time on day of serving, especially for gatherings or meal prep. Bake from cold, increasing baking time slightly.
For reheating leftover casserole, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, covering with foil to prevent drying, or microwave individual portions. Reheat gently to avoid drying out or burning. Oven reheating helps maintain texture better for larger portions, covered to prevent drying. Microwave reheating is quicker for individual servings. Add a splash of broth or milk during reheating if casserole seems dry.
DETAILS:
Prep Time: 30 minutes. The preparation time includes peeling and quartering potatoes, chopping vegetables (onion, garlic), browning ground beef, making mashed potatoes, and assembling casserole. Efficient prep work streamlines baking process. Proper preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes (20-25 minutes baking, 15-20 minutes potato boiling). The cooking time is primarily for baking the assembled casserole in the oven and boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes. Baking time ensures cheese is melted and casserole is heated through. Potato boiling is separate cooking component. Total cook time reflects baking and potato boiling components.
Total Time: 1 hour 5-1 hour 10 minutes. The total time from start to finish, including prep time and cook time, is approximately 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes. Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a moderately quick and easy meal to make. Total time is reasonable for a hearty and satisfying comfort food dish.
Yield: 6-8 servings. This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings, suitable for a family dinner or to have leftovers for lunch. Serving size can be adjusted based on individual appetites and casserole portion sizes. Yield is sufficient for a family dinner or to have leftovers.
Category: Main Course, Casserole, Comfort Food, Family-Friendly, American. Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is versatile, categorized as a main course, casserole dish, comfort food, family-friendly meal, and American cuisine. It is primarily served for dinner. Categorization highlights its versatility and culinary role.
Method: Baking, Boiling (potatoes), Sautéing (ground beef), Layering. The primary methods are baking the assembled casserole in the oven, boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes, sautéing ground beef and vegetables on stovetop, and layering all components. Baking is the main cooking method for casserole assembly. Potato boiling and beef sautéing are stovetop preparations. Layering builds casserole structure. These methods combine to create the final dish.
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food, Family-Friendly. Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is American in style, a classic American comfort food, and very family-friendly. Its comforting nature and flavor profile classify it as quintessential American comfort food. American cuisine often features casseroles and meat and potato dishes. Cuisine reflects the recipe’s origin and culinary style – classic American comfort food casserole.
Diet: Not Vegetarian (contains meat), Adaptable to Vegetarian (with significant substitution). The base recipe is not vegetarian due to the ground beef. Vegetarian adaptation is possible by substituting plant-based ground beef substitute. Diet category highlights its standard form (non-vegetarian) and potential for vegetarian modification with beef substitution.
NOTES:
One note on potatoes – Russet potatoes are classic for fluffy mashed potatoes, but Yukon Gold potatoes will also work well and result in creamier mashed potatoes. Choose potato type based on your preferred mashed potato texture. Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are both suitable for mashed potatoes, offering different textures. Choose potato based on texture preference.
Another note is regarding cheese – cheddar cheese is classic for topping hamburger potato casserole, but you can use other cheeses or cheese blends based on your preference. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or a combination of cheeses all work well. Cheese choice impacts flavor profile and meltiness of topping. Choose cheese based on preferred flavor and melting qualities.
For serving suggestions, Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a complete meal on its own due to the meat, potatoes, and vegetables (if added). However, it pairs well with: a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing, steamed green beans or broccoli, coleslaw, or a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls. Serving suggestions enhance serving presentation and offer complementary side dishes. Consider serving with lighter, fresh sides to balance richness of casserole.
If you want to add a creamy sauce layer to the casserole, you can spread a layer of cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup over the ground beef mixture before topping with mashed potatoes. Cream soup layer adds extra creaminess and flavor to casserole. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are good creamy sauce additions. Spread soup layer over beef before adding potatoes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Can I use different types of ground meat for this casserole?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of ground meat for Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork can be substituted for ground beef. Using leaner ground meats like turkey or chicken will result in a slightly leaner casserole. Ensure to adjust cooking time as needed for different meats and ensure meat is cooked through. Ground meat variations offer different flavor profiles and fat content.
Q: Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
A: Making Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole dairy-free requires substitutions for several dairy components. Dairy-free milk alternatives (such as unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk) can be used in mashed potatoes. Dairy-free butter alternatives (vegan butter sticks or spreads) are widely available for mashed potatoes and for greasing dish. Nutritional yeast can be added to mashed potatoes for a cheesy flavor hint. Dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives are available (cheddar, mozzarella style) but may not melt or taste exactly like dairy cheeses. Dairy-free adaptation is possible with dairy substitutions. Texture and flavor will be slightly altered in dairy-free version.
Q: Can I add more vegetables to this casserole for extra nutrients?
A: Yes, you can definitely add more vegetables to Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole to increase its nutritional value and flavor. Good vegetable additions include: frozen peas or corn (as mentioned, stir into beef mixture), diced carrots (sauté with onions), diced celery (sauté with onions), green beans (cut into pieces, added to beef or potato layer), bell peppers (diced, sauté with onions), or mushrooms (sliced, sauté with onions). Vegetable variations increase nutritional value, flavor complexity, and texture. Choose vegetables based on your preference and add at appropriate cooking times.
Q: What are good side dishes to serve with Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole for a complete meal?
A: Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty and substantial main dish, so lighter and fresher side dishes are ideal to balance the meal. A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing, Caesar salad (lighter version), steamed green beans or broccoli, roasted asparagus, coleslaw, or a tomato and cucumber salad would all be excellent side dish choices for a complete and balanced meal with this casserole. Side dishes should complement the richness of casserole without being too heavy. Lighter, fresh, or vegetable-focused sides provide good balance for dinner.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
To ensure your leftover Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole remains safe and enjoyable, proper storage is essential. Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Do not place hot food directly into the refrigerator, as this can raise the refrigerator temperature and potentially affect food safety and texture of the casserole. Cooling to room temperature before refrigerating is recommended for best storage practices.
Once cooled, cut the casserole into individual portions and transfer to airtight containers, or cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap if storing the entire casserole. Covering tightly or using airtight containers prevents air exposure and maintains moisture in the refrigerator.
Store the airtight containers or covered baking dish of leftover Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole in the refrigerator. Refrigerate leftovers promptly within 2 hours of baking to ensure food safety, especially because of the meat and dairy content. Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Proper refrigeration is crucial for preventing bacterial growth and maintaining food safety for meat and dairy-based casseroles.
Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for the best quality and food safety. While leftovers may remain safe to eat for slightly longer, the texture of the mashed potatoes and casserole overall may change slightly upon reheating, and the overall casserole quality may degrade over time. For optimal taste and to minimize health risks, it is recommended to consume leftovers within this timeframe. Always use your senses—sight, smell, and taste—to assess the quality of leftovers before consuming.
Reheating leftover Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is best done gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, covering with foil to prevent drying, or microwave individual portions. Reheat gently to avoid drying out or burning. Oven reheating helps maintain texture better for larger portions, covered to prevent drying. Microwave reheating is quicker for individual servings but texture may soften slightly. Adding a splash of broth or milk during reheating if casserole seems dry.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed this comforting and Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole, you will likely enjoy these other hearty casserole and shepherd’s pie variations. Consider trying Classic Shepherd’s Pie (with lamb or beef) for the quintessential shepherd’s pie experience, featuring a meat base (lamb or beef), vegetables, and mashed potato topping, offering the classic shepherd’s pie flavor and format, traditionally made with lamb but beef is also common. Classic shepherd’s pie is the quintessential shepherd’s pie recipe, featuring meat base and mashed potato topping, offering the baseline shepherd’s pie experience. It’s a delicious alternative for traditional shepherd’s pie lovers.
Another excellent option is Cottage Pie (Beef Shepherd’s Pie) (specifically with beef) for a variation focusing specifically on beef as the meat base, often with similar vegetable and mashed potato components to shepherd’s pie, but emphasizing beef, offering a beef-centric version of shepherd’s pie, sometimes called cottage pie to denote beef. Cottage pie or beef shepherd’s pie specifically highlights beef as meat base, different emphasis but very similar to shepherd’s pie format. It’s a great choice for beef lovers who prefer beef over lamb.
For a different style of hearty casserole, explore Cheesy Potato and Ham Casserole, for a potato-based casserole featuring diced potatoes, ham, and creamy cheese sauce, often topped with breadcrumbs, offering a different format (potato-based casserole) but still highlighting cheesy comfort food flavors and casserole style. Cheesy potato and ham casserole offers a potato-based casserole instead of mashed potato topped, different format but still highlighting cheesy comfort food casserole style. These related recipes offer diverse flavor combinations and formats within the casserole and shepherd’s pie categories, providing a range of delicious options to explore beyond Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole.
CONCLUSION
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a truly satisfying and wonderfully comforting dish that perfectly embodies classic American home cooking. This recipe offers a straightforward and incredibly rewarding way to create a hearty, flavorful, and deliciously simple meal that is perfect for any casual occasion, family dinner, or comfort food craving. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing casserole, a quick and easy weeknight meal, or simply a taste of cheesy, meat-and-potato goodness with minimal effort, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
The combination of savory seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and bubbly melted cheese creates a symphony of textures and tastes that is simply irresistible. Homemade Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is far more flavorful and satisfying than any frozen or pre-made version, and the incredibly simple steps make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. It’s a treat that is as enjoyable to make and share as it is to eat, perfectly capturing the spirit of relaxed, delicious, and abundant home cooking.
So, gather your ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and casserole dish, and prepare to experience the simple joy of homemade Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole. Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to your liking, adding your favorite cheeses, vegetables, herbs, spices, or flavorings to create your own personalized version of this comfort food sensation. Embrace the easy baking process, savor the savory meat aroma, and enjoy the comforting deliciousness of every bite. Happy cooking, and may your Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole be a delicious success!
