Hamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe

If you're craving a hearty and satisfying dish that combines savory beef with the comforting taste of potatoes, then you're in the right place! This Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even potlucks. It’s easy to make, versatile, and full of flavor. Read through this step-by-step guide to learn how to prepare this delicious casserole, discover helpful tips, and find creative serving ideas to make it a meal your family will ask for time and time again. Let’s dive into it!

What is Hamburger and Potato Casserole?

Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a classic comfort food dish made by layering ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy or cheesy sauce. It’s then baked to perfection, creating a hearty meal that everyone loves. The combination of tender potatoes and seasoned beef, enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, delivers a flavor-packed meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Not only is this dish satisfying and flavorful, but it's also easy to customize with different ingredients or variations based on your preferences.

Ingredients List for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make a basic Hamburger and Potato Casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 4-5 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Ingredients List for the Sauce

To take your casserole to the next level, it's essential to create a rich, creamy sauce that binds all the ingredients together. Here’s what you need for the sauce:

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (as listed above)
• 1 cup milk (whole milk is ideal, but you can also use 2% or a dairy-free option)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for richness)
• ½ cup sour cream (optional but recommended for extra creaminess)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about making a Hamburger and Potato Casserole is how adaptable it is! If you're out of certain ingredients or just want to switch things up, here are some great substitutions and variations you can try:

• Ground beef can be swapped with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or cream of celery can be used as substitutes.
• For a healthier version, substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes or even cauliflower for a low-carb option.
• For added flavor, consider adding vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots, or peas into the layers.
• To give it a Southwestern twist, add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, and top with Monterey Jack cheese.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this delicious casserole? Follow these easy steps to create your Hamburger and Potato Casserole:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a bit of oil.
2. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Try to keep the slices uniform in thickness (around ¼ inch) to ensure even cooking. Set them aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
3. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and translucent. Add the ground beef to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
4. Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, butter, and sour cream (if using). Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
5. Layer the Casserole: In your prepared baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the sauce at the bottom. Then, add a layer of potato slices, followed by a layer of cooked ground beef. Drizzle some more sauce over the beef. Repeat the layers (potatoes, beef, sauce) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
6. Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
7. Let It Rest: Once the casserole is done, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to slice.

How to Cook Hamburger and Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe is all about layering the right flavors and ensuring each component is cooked to perfection. Keep these tips in mind as you cook:

• Don’t skip the sauté: Cooking the onions, garlic, and beef before adding them to the casserole deepens the flavor.
• Uniform potato slices: Ensuring that your potato slices are thin and even will help them cook through evenly. If you have a mandoline, it’s a great tool for this step.
• Season each layer: To prevent blandness, lightly season each layer of potatoes and beef with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Cover and uncover: The foil traps moisture and allows the potatoes to cook thoroughly without drying out. Removing it toward the end of baking gives you that deliciously crispy, cheesy topping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Undercooking the potatoes: If your potato slices are too thick or if you don’t bake the casserole long enough, the potatoes may end up hard. Be sure to slice them thinly and test for tenderness before removing the casserole from the oven.
• Using too much grease: Make sure to drain the excess fat from the cooked beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Skipping the resting time: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to ensure the sauce thickens properly and the flavors meld together.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your casserole is baked to perfection, it’s time to think about how to serve it in the most appealing way possible. Here are some tips:

• Portion with precision: Use a sharp knife to slice the casserole into squares or wedges. A spatula works well for clean servings.
• Top with freshness: Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve with a side: Balance the richness of the casserole with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple steamed veggie like broccoli or green beans.

How to Serve Hamburger and Potato Casserole

This dish is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Some ideas include:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Roasted or steamed vegetables, like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
• Buttered dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Make your Hamburger and Potato Casserole the star of the table with these presentation ideas:

• Rustic and homey: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style meal.
• Individual portions: Use mini cast iron skillets or ramekins to bake and serve individual casseroles.
• Cheese pull: Let the casserole cool slightly but serve while still warm to showcase the irresistible cheese pull when slicing.

Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few additional tips to make your casserole even better:

• Make-ahead option: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, simply pop it into the oven and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 1 hour, or until warmed through.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination of your favorite cheeses.

How do I know if the potatoes are fully cooked?
Use a fork to test the potatoes. They should be soft and tender when pierced.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and refrigerate it the night before or even freeze it for future meals.

What can I serve with Hamburger and Potato Casserole?
A crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables makes for a well-balanced meal.

Conclusion

This Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe is the perfect combination of simplicity, comfort, and flavor. With its tender layers of potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or prepping it for a crowd, this casserole delivers every time. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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