Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4-6
This Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a timeless dish that combines the comforting flavors of ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or when you need something filling and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this casserole is sure to please.
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. Preheat the Oven
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s well-browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This step is crucial for developing the flavor of the beef.
- Once browned, drain off any excess fat from the skillet. This prevents the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. This adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, mix together the condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken), milk, and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy sauce will bind the ingredients together and add richness to the casserole.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Lightly grease a baking dish, approximately 9×13 inches, with cooking spray or butter. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.
- Begin layering by arranging a single layer of thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish. The potatoes should be arranged in an overlapping pattern to ensure even cooking.
- Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes, making sure to distribute it evenly.
- Pour half of the prepared soup mixture over the beef, spreading it out to cover the beef layer.
5. Continue Layering
- Add another layer of potatoes on top of the beef mixture, again arranging them in an overlapping pattern.
- Spread the remaining beef mixture over the potatoes and pour the remaining soup mixture on top. This layering technique helps to ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and that each layer is flavorful.
6. Add Cheese and Season
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and form a delicious, golden crust as the casserole bakes.
- If desired, season the top with a sprinkle of paprika or dried herbs. This adds a touch of color and extra flavor to the dish.
7. Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can test the doneness of the potatoes by inserting a fork into the layers; they should be easily pierced.
8. Cool and Serve
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve the casserole.
Cooking Tips
- Uniform Potato Slices: For even cooking, slice the potatoes as uniformly as possible. Thin slices work best for this casserole, as they cook more quickly and evenly.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a mix of cheeses can add different flavors and textures to the casserole.
- Vegetable Additions: Enhance the casserole with additional vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas can be added to the ground beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a classic comfort food that combines simple ingredients into a delicious, hearty meal. The creamy sauce, savory ground beef, and melted cheese create a satisfying flavor combination that’s perfect for family dinners. It’s an easy, one-dish meal that’s both filling and comforting.
The recipe is also flexible, allowing for various ingredient substitutions and additions based on your preferences. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twists, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Savor the comforting flavors of this Hamburger and Potato Casserole. It’s a classic dish that brings together ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese in a satisfying bake. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual family meal, this casserole is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Try it tonight and experience the warmth and deliciousness of a home-cooked meal.
