Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious casserole.
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
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes if desired. Thinly slice them into rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. For even cooking, try to make the slices uniform.
Chop Onion: Finely chop the onion.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Drain Excess Fat: Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix Well: Stir to combine the onion with the ground beef. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream. Stir until smooth. This will be the creamy base for the casserole.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Layer Potatoes: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the baking dish.
Season Potatoes: Season with a little salt, pepper, and optional paprika or dried herbs.
Add Beef Mixture: Spread half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes.
Add Sauce: Pour half of the creamy sauce mixture over the beef layer.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers: add another layer of sliced potatoes, the remaining beef mixture, and then the remaining sauce.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake the Casserole
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the casserole moist. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Uncover and Bake: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
Test for Doneness: To ensure the potatoes are cooked through, insert a fork or knife into the casserole. It should easily pierce the potatoes.
6. Serve
Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for added flavor and color.
Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Hamburger and Potato Casserole!
Tips for Success
Uniform Slicing: For even cooking, ensure that the potato slices are of uniform thickness. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for this.
Layering: Make sure to season each layer of potatoes and beef to enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.
Cheese Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda, for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable Add-Ins: You can add other vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, to the casserole for extra nutrition and flavor.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
This Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this hearty casserole as a complete meal, and savor the delicious flavors in every bite!