Homestyle Comfort: Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, blending seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes in a creamy, cheesy bake. This casserole is a hearty, one-dish meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, offering all the savory goodness of a home-cooked dinner with minimal fuss. Ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you need a warm and satisfying dish, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Hamburger and Potato Casserole:
- Hearty and Filling: A satisfying meal that combines protein, starch, and dairy for a complete and comforting dish.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an ideal recipe for any home cook.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for preparing in advance and baking when needed, saving time and effort.
Ingredients Notes For Hamburger and Potato Casserole:
- Ground Beef: The main protein, providing a rich and savory flavor to the casserole.
- Potatoes: Thinly sliced or diced, they form a hearty and filling base.
- Onion and Garlic: Add depth and aroma to the beef mixture.
- Cheese: A mix of cheddar or other melting cheeses creates a gooey, flavorful topping.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Offers a creamy, savory sauce that binds the ingredients together.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary enhance the natural flavors of the dish.
Recipe Steps:
- Prep Ingredients: Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Slice or dice the potatoes thinly.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer potatoes, the cooked beef mixture, and then spoonfuls of cream of mushroom soup. Repeat the layers as necessary.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese over the top, and return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the casserole either baked or unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or baking.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Paprika or dried herbs (optional, for seasoning)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel (if desired) and thinly slice the potatoes. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the condensed soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes.
- Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the creamy sauce over the beef and potatoes.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.
- Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese and a dash of paprika or dried herbs if using.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing.