Delicious Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. This easy casserole combines layers of ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce for a satisfying meal. It’s a great make-ahead recipe that’s both budget-friendly and customizable with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a creamier texture)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking the beef)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup frozen peas or corn for extra veggies
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms for added flavor
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

For Serving:

• Fresh salad or steamed vegetables
• Dinner rolls or crusty bread

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth and creamy.
2. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and season with a little salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Spoon the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
3. Pour the creamy sauce over the top of the beef and potatoes, spreading it evenly to ensure all the ingredients are coated.
4. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to get golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives, and serve with a side of salad, steamed vegetables, or bread.

Cooking Notes

• Potatoes: For faster cooking, slice the potatoes very thin (about 1/8 inch thick) to ensure they become tender during baking. A mandoline is helpful for even slicing.
• Cheese: Feel free to use a blend of cheeses, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella, depending on your flavor preferences.
• Ground Beef: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a meatless alternative for a lighter version.

Variations

1. Cheesy Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Double the cheese by adding an extra cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack to the casserole for an ultra-cheesy dish.

2. Vegetable Hamburger Casserole

Add 1 cup of frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables to the ground beef mixture before layering it over the potatoes for a boost of nutrition.

3. Spicy Hamburger Casserole

For a bit of heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.

4. Creamy Bacon and Potato Casserole

Crumble cooked bacon over the top of the casserole before baking, or mix it into the ground beef mixture for added flavor.

5. Low-Carb Hamburger and Zucchini Casserole

Replace the potatoes with thinly sliced zucchini for a low-carb version of this casserole. The zucchini will bake up tender and pair well with the ground beef and cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Hamburger and Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze Hamburger and Potato Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until heated through.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, healthier version of this dish. The cooking time should remain the same.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked potatoes?
Yes, if you have leftover boiled or baked potatoes, you can slice them and layer them into the casserole. This may reduce the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

This Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a simple, comforting meal that’s perfect for feeding the whole family. With layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s a hearty dish that will leave everyone satisfied. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings, and enjoy this classic casserole for dinner.