Introduction

Welcome to our delicious recipe for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole! If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty dish that the whole family will love, you’ve come to the right place. This casserole is the perfect combination of juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a one-pot wonder that is easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons why this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole will become one of your go-to recipes. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Secondly, it’s a complete meal in one dish. The combination of protein from the ground beef and carbs from the potatoes makes it a filling and satisfying option. Lastly, the cheesy goodness that covers every bite is simply irresistible.

Ingredients

To make this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
4 cups peeled and sliced potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup beef broth

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding or substituting any of your favorite vegetables or spices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes. Sprinkle with half of the thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Spread the ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Top with half of the shredded cheese.
Layer the remaining sliced potatoes on top. Sprinkle with the remaining thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the beef broth over the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the casserole. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tip: If you prefer a crispy top, you can broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking.

Expert Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips to help you achieve the best results with your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole:

Use lean ground beef to reduce the amount of excess fat in the casserole.
If you want to add some extra flavor, you can sprinkle some Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce into the ground beef mixture.
If you’re short on time, you can use frozen sliced potatoes instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them before using.
For an added kick, you can add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.

Avoid overcooking the potatoes to ensure they stay tender and don’t become mushy.

Variations and Substitutions

While this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is delicious as is, you can always customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives.
Chicken Variation: Swap the ground beef for cooked and shredded chicken.
Cheese Choice: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
Spice it Up: Add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicier version.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can always serve it with some fresh salad greens or steamed vegetables on the side. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold glass of beer. For a comforting and satisfying dinner, this casserole is the perfect choice.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers have about Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole:

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

How long will the leftovers last?

The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoy making and savoring this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole as much as we do. It’s a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Don’t forget to share your experience with us and let us know how it turned out for you. Happy cooking!