Hamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe

Looking for a comforting, hearty meal that will satisfy the whole family? This Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe is the perfect dish for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner. With layers of flavorful ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy sauce, this casserole is both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. Stick around as we walk you through the entire process, offering helpful tips, substitutions, and ideas to make this dish your own. Ready to elevate your comfort food game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

What is a Hamburger and Potato Casserole?

A Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a classic, layered comfort food dish made from ground beef, sliced potatoes, and a creamy sauce—often topped with cheese for an extra indulgent touch. It’s baked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together into a warm, filling meal. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste, and it’s a great way to use pantry staples to create something special. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, this casserole is a go-to recipe that delivers on both taste and ease.

Ingredients List for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you’ll need for the perfect Hamburger and Potato Casserole:

Essential Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russets work well)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese blend)
• 2 cups milk (whole milk, or substitute with half-and-half for a creamier texture)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz, or you can use cream of chicken)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this casserole is its flexibility! If you’re missing an ingredient or looking for a variation, here are some great substitutions and ideas:

• Meat Variations: You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork, depending on your preferences. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils.
• Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic option, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for some extra kick.
• Potato Options: If you prefer a different type of potato, sweet potatoes or red potatoes would work well too. Sweet potatoes will add a hint of sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory beef.
• Creamy Substitutes: If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup on hand, cream of chicken or celery works just as well. For a healthier option, you can even make your own béchamel sauce with flour, butter, and milk.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to mix in some vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to add extra nutrition and flavor.
• Herb Options: If you like herbs, consider adding thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a fragrant twist on the dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this savory casserole? Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Hamburger and Potato Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Prepare the Potatoes: While the beef is cooking, thinly slice the potatoes. Aim for about ⅛-inch thickness to ensure they cook evenly in the oven. You can use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices, but a sharp knife works just as well.
4. Layer the Casserole: In a large greased baking dish (9x13 inch is ideal), start by spreading a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom. Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper on top. Then, spread a portion of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes. Repeat these layers until you’ve used all the beef and potatoes.
5. Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and optional sour cream. Whisk until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the layers of potatoes and beef.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. If you love cheese, feel free to add more or mix in different varieties for added flavor.
7. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes. After about 45 minutes, remove the foil to allow the cheese to get golden and bubbly. The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender, and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is relatively simple, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

• Slicing Potatoes Too Thick: Thick potato slices may take longer to cook and could end up undercooked in the casserole. Try to keep your slices around ⅛ inch thick.
• Not Cooking Beef Thoroughly: Be sure to fully brown the ground beef before layering it in the casserole. This helps develop flavor and ensures the meat is fully cooked.
• Skipping the Sauce: The creamy sauce is essential for keeping the casserole moist and flavorful. Don’t skimp on it, or your dish may end up dry.
• Overbaking: While you want the potatoes to be tender, be careful not to overbake the casserole, as this could result in a dry or overly crispy texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can elevate a comforting dish like this casserole. Here are some ideas to make your Hamburger and Potato Casserole visually appealing and ready to serve:

How to Serve Hamburger and Potato Casserole:

• Family Style: This casserole is perfect for serving family-style right from the baking dish. Place it in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.
• Individual Portions: Use a large serving spoon to dish out individual portions. Make sure to include a good balance of both beef and potatoes in each serving.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger and Potato Casserole:

• Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions sprinkled on top can brighten up the dish visually.
• Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A side of crusty bread or dinner rolls is also a great addition.
• Layered Look: When serving, cut the casserole into clean squares or rectangles to showcase the layers of beef, potatoes, and melted cheese.

Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! You can freeze the uncooked casserole for up to three months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, just bring it to room temperature and pop it in the oven.

What’s the best way to slice potatoes for this casserole?

Using a mandoline slicer is the easiest way to get uniform, thin slices. However, if you don’t have one, a sharp knife will work too—just be careful to slice as evenly as possible for consistent cooking.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes beautifully. You can freeze it unbaked, then thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze individual portions of the baked casserole and reheat them for a quick meal.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to customize the casserole by adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots. Sauté any added veggies with the onions and beef to soften them before layering them into the casserole.

How long will leftovers last?

Stored in an airtight container, this casserole will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for leftovers and reheats very well.

Conclusion

The Hamburger and Potato Casserole is an easy-to-make, budget-friendly dish that delivers big on comfort and flavor. Whether you’re serving it for dinner tonight or prepping for a future meal, this casserole will be a hit with everyone around the table. Customize it to suit your taste with variations or substitutions, and enjoy a delicious, filling meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don't forget to bookmark this recipe for those nights when you need something satisfying and simple! Happy cooking!

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