Are you in the mood for a hearty and delicious meal that’s both comforting and easy to make? Look no further than the classic Hamburger Potato Casserole. This dish combines the savory flavors of ground beef and potatoes with the rich, cheesy goodness of cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you need a satisfying home-cooked dish.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds of ground beef
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.75 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup of milk
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a bit of the olive oil, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes for easy serving.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat for a healthier dish.
- Season the Beef Mixture: Add a personal touch by seasoning the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This blend of spices adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
- Layering the Casserole: In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the beef mixture. Then, layer half of the potato slices over the beef, followed by a sprinkle of one cup of cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining beef and potatoes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together the condensed soup and milk until well combined. This creamy mixture acts as a binder, bringing all the flavors together.
- Bake the Casserole: Pour the soup mixture over the potato layers. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add the Final Touches: Remove the foil, add the remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 20-30 minutes. This final step ensures a bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Versatility: This casserole is perfect for customizing to your taste. Try adding green peppers, mushrooms, or even a layer of crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- Family Friendly: It’s a hit with both adults and kids, making it a perfect meal for family dinners.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare it in advance and simply reheat for a stress-free meal.
Related:
- Hearty Cheeseburger Casserole
- Best Foods To Cook In An Air Fryer
- Quick & Delicious Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Serving and Storage Tips for Hamburger Potato Casserole
Serving Suggestions:
- Let it Rest: After removing your casserole from the oven, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to cut into portions.
- Portion Sizes: Serve the casserole in moderate-sized portions as it is quite filling. It pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Garnishing for Extra Flair: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a fresh element to the rich and hearty dish.
- Temperature: Serve the casserole warm. It helps to enhance the flavors and ensures the cheese is deliciously gooey.
- Beverage Pairing: A glass of red wine or a cold beer can complement the flavors of the casserole, while a refreshing iced tea or lemonade is great for a non-alcoholic option.
Storage Tips:
- Cooling Down: Before storing, allow the casserole to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation inside the storage container, which can make the leftovers soggy.
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the casserole can last for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the container is sealed well to avoid absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
- Freezing for Later: This casserole freezes well. Divide it into portion sizes, wrap in aluminum foil or freezer-safe wrap, and then place in a freezer bag. Label with the date, and it can be stored for up to 2 months. This method is great for meal planning and ensures you have a delicious meal ready on busy days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for quick serving, or in the oven for a more evenly warmed dish. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Avoiding Sogginess: When reheating in the oven, cover with foil to keep the moisture in and prevent the top from burning or drying out.
FAQs
1. How Do You Make a Casserole Not Soggy?
To prevent a casserole from becoming soggy, there are several key steps you can take:
- Drain Excess Liquid: If your recipe includes ingredients like vegetables that release water, sauté them first to evaporate excess moisture.
- Layer Correctly: Place ingredients that absorb moisture, like rice or bread, at the bottom.
- Control Liquid Ingredients: Be cautious with the amount of liquid ingredients like broth or sauce. Add just enough to bind the ingredients without making them overly wet.
- Bake at the Right Temperature: A moderate oven temperature ensures even cooking without making the top layer too hard or leaving the inside uncooked.
- Resting Time: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking can help absorb excess moisture.
2. Why Add Eggs to Sweet Potato Casserole?
Eggs play a crucial role in sweet potato casseroles:
- Binding Agent: Eggs help to bind all the ingredients together, providing structure and preventing the casserole from falling apart.
- Creamy Texture: They contribute to a creamy and smooth texture, enhancing the overall mouthfeel.
- Rising Agent: Eggs can help the casserole to rise slightly, giving a lighter texture.
- Flavor Enhancer: Eggs enrich the flavor, making the casserole more savory, especially when paired with sweet ingredients.
3. Do I Bake My Casserole Covered or Uncovered?
The decision to bake a casserole covered or uncovered depends on the recipe and the desired outcome:
- Covered: Baking covered is generally used to retain moisture, cook evenly, and prevent the top from burning. It’s ideal for rice or pasta casseroles.
- Uncovered: If you’re aiming for a crispy or browned top, such as with cheese or breadcrumb toppings, bake the casserole uncovered.
- Combination: Some recipes may call for baking covered initially and then uncovering towards the end to brown the top.
4. What is the Key to Making a Good Casserole?
The key to a good casserole lies in a combination of factors:
- Balanced Ingredients: A mix of proteins, vegetables, and starches for varied texture and flavor.
- Right Liquid Ratio: Enough liquid to cook but not too much to make it soggy.
- Seasoning: Proper seasoning is crucial for flavor. Don’t forget herbs and spices.
- Cooking Time and Temperature: Ensuring the casserole is cooked thoroughly and evenly.
- Toppings: A crunchy or cheesy topping can add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
By understanding these aspects, you can tailor any casserole recipe to suit your taste preferences while ensuring a delicious and satisfying result every time.
Conclusion:
The Hamburger Potato Casserole is a timeless recipe that brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s a perfect example of classic comfort food, ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a comforting meal to enjoy at home, this casserole is sure to please.
Remember, the key to a great casserole is in the layers and the baking. Each layer adds its own unique flavor and texture, while the baking process melds everything together into a delicious, cohesive dish. So, preheat your oven, get your ingredients ready, and prepare to enjoy a truly delightful culinary experience with this Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe.
📖 Recipe
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Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe. Perfectly balanced with savory ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Ground Beef: 1 1/2 pounds
Russet Potatoes (peeled, thinly sliced): 4 large
Onion (chopped): 1 medium
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.75 oz)
Milk: 3/4 cup
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
Paprika: 1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper: to taste
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet. Drain fat.
- Season beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Layer half of the beef, potatoes, and cheese in the dish. Repeat.
- Mix soup and milk; pour over casserole.
- Cover with foil; bake for 1 hour.
- Uncover, add remaining cheese. Bake for 20-30 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free condensed soup.
Customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Hamburger Potato Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Easy Casserole Recipe, Cheesy Potato Bake, Ground Beef Casserole, Baked Potato Dish
