Hamburger Potato Casserole

Hamburger Potato Casserole

This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish made with layers of seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, and cheese, all baked together in a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a family meal, and the flavors meld together to create a satisfying one-dish dinner. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
• 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken, if preferred)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a slight smokiness)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture:

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
• Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika (if using). Stir to combine and remove from heat.

2. Prepare the Casserole Layers:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with the milk. Stir until smooth. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less milk; if you want a creamier consistency, add a little more.
• In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. You may need to slightly overlap the slices.
• Spoon half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes, then spread it out evenly.
• Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef and potatoes, spreading it evenly to coat everything.
• Repeat the layers: another layer of sliced potatoes, the remaining ground beef mixture, and the remaining soup mixture.

3. Bake the Casserole:

• Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
• After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
• Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Finish and Serve:

• Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Veggies: You can add frozen peas, corn, mushrooms, or green beans to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition. Just stir them into the ground beef mixture or layer them with the potatoes.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese for variety.
• Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 1 day before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Crispy Top: For a crispy, golden top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly meal that comes together easily and is sure to please everyone. The combination of savory beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese is absolutely delicious! Enjoy!