Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Looking for an easy, comforting, and hearty dish to serve your family? This Hamburger Potato Casserole is just what you need! Made with layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese, this recipe brings together a perfect combination of flavors. Whether you’re feeding a large family, preparing for a potluck, or simply want a satisfying weeknight meal, this casserole delivers on all fronts. It’s a comforting, classic meal that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Potato Casserole

This casserole is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings. The layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy mushroom sauce create a filling and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare. Plus, it’s customizable—you can add your favorite vegetables, use different cheeses, or even swap out the beef for turkey. It’s also a great make-ahead meal that you can reheat for lunch or dinner later in the week. Comforting, versatile, and crowd-pleasing!

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Hamburger Potato Casserole:

• 1 ½ pounds of ground beef – Adds a hearty, savory flavor. You can substitute it with ground turkey for a lighter version.
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced – Russet potatoes are perfect for casseroles due to their starchy nature, creating a soft and tender texture.
• 1 medium onion, chopped – Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the ground beef.
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese – The cheddar cheese gives a rich, sharp flavor, but feel free to experiment with other types like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
• 1 can (10.75 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup – Creamy and full of umami, this binds the ingredients together. You can also use cream of chicken soup.
• ¾ cup of milk – Helps thin out the soup mixture to make it easier to pour.
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – Adds a subtle garlicky flavor to the beef mixture.
• 1 teaspoon of paprika – Gives a mild, smoky kick. You can use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Enhances the flavors of the casserole.
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil – Used for browning the beef and ensuring the potatoes cook evenly.
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish – A fresh garnish to brighten up the dish.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need:

• Skillet – For browning the beef and onions.
• Mixing bowl – To combine the soup and milk mixture.
• 9×13 inch baking dish – Perfect size for assembling the casserole.
• Aluminum foil – To cover the casserole during baking.
• Knife & chopping board – For slicing potatoes and chopping onions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, peel and thinly slice your russet potatoes. Chop the onion finely, making sure everything is prepped and ready for layering.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion turns translucent. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste, ensuring every bite of beef is flavorful.

Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Layering

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup with ¾ cup of milk, stirring until smooth. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, arrange an even layer of sliced potatoes.

Next, top the potatoes with half of the beef and onion mixture, then pour half of the soup mixture over the top. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, soup mixture, and finish with the last cup of cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top of the casserole is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Perfect Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Thinly slice the potatoes: For even cooking, make sure your potato slices are thin and uniform. Thicker slices may result in undercooked potatoes.
• Season each layer: Don’t forget to season each layer of the casserole, including the potatoes, for the best flavor throughout.
• Cover tightly with foil: This helps the potatoes cook through and prevents the top from browning too quickly.
• Test for doneness: Check the potatoes by inserting a fork after the baking time; they should be tender and easy to pierce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the browning process: Browning the beef and onions adds flavor. Don’t skip this step as it will leave your casserole lacking in depth.
• Using thick potato slices: Thick slices will take longer to cook and could leave you with an undercooked casserole.
• Not draining the beef: Be sure to drain any excess grease from the beef mixture, or your casserole may turn out greasy.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but for a balanced meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For a touch of brightness, you can also top it with a dollop of sour cream.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

• Add veggies: Toss in some sliced carrots, bell peppers, or frozen peas to add more nutrition and texture to the dish.
• Swap the cheese: Use mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack if you like a spicy kick.
• Meat alternatives: Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter substitute for beef.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready.

Q: Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes work well, and you can even try using sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Make sure it’s fully cooled, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with layers of creamy potatoes, savory beef, and melty cheese. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and subscribe to the blog for more delicious meals like this!

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