Looking for a comforting and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love? This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect solution! With layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce, it combines simple ingredients into a delicious and hearty meal.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
Cook Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance the flavor.
Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth. This will form the creamy sauce that binds the casserole together.
Layer Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Top with half of the beef mixture and then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese.
Add Sauce: Pour the soup and milk mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. Dot the top with small pieces of butter for added richness.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to become golden and bubbly.
Garnish: Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Serving Tips:
Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Portion Control: Use a sharp knife or spatula to cut the casserole into even portions. This will help keep the layers intact and make serving more visually appealing.
Garnish: Top each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese if desired.
Pairing: Serve the casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. A side of crusty bread or garlic bread can also complement the meal nicely.
Storage Tips:
Cooling: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps the texture from becoming mushy.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days.
Freezing: If you plan to freeze the casserole, make sure it’s completely cooled. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, you can bake the casserole from frozen. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from the refrigerator, bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot.
Microwave Option: For quicker reheating, you can use the microwave. Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of cheese for this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with other types of cheese based on your preference. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan can add different flavors and textures. Just be sure to choose cheeses that melt well to achieve a creamy, gooey result.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare it according to the recipe, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How do I make this casserole more nutritious?
To boost the nutritional value, consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the beef mixture. You can also use lean ground beef or ground turkey instead of regular ground beef, and opt for reduced-fat cheese and soup. Additionally, using sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes can increase the fiber and vitamin content.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or wrapping it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until heated through. For best results, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking if you have time.
Conclusion:
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner. Its rich and creamy layers make it a true crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 90-100 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole. Perfectly layered with ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this family-friendly dish is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, it’s the go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Top with half of the beef mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the layers. Dot with small pieces of butter.
- Cover with foil and bake for 60-70 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For a variation, try adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
You can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
To freeze, cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70-80 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving
