Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than our Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe. This delicious dish combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and gooey cheddar cheese for a meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole is easy to make and packed with flavor. Join us as we dive into the world of comfort food and learn how to create this irresistible Hamburger Potato Casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.75 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the ground beef with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly.
- Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef mixture, and cheddar cheese.
- Pour the condensed soup mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle cooked and crumbled bacon over the top of the casserole before baking.
- Feel free to add your favorite seasonings or herbs to customize the flavor of the dish. Thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning would all be delicious additions.
- If you’re short on time, you can use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes. Simply thaw them before layering them in the casserole dish.
- Make it a complete meal by adding vegetables such as peas, carrots, or broccoli to the casserole layers.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef in this recipe if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this casserole for later use. Simply let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in the oven until heated through.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, you can make a few simple substitutions to create a version of Hamburger Potato Casserole that fits your dietary needs:
- Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips for a lower-carb option.
- Use heavy cream or almond milk instead of regular milk to reduce the carb content.
- Skip the condensed cream of mushroom soup and make a homemade keto-friendly cream sauce using butter, cream, and xanthan gum as a thickener.
With these substitutions, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors of Hamburger Potato Casserole while staying within your dietary goals.
Hamburger Potato Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its hearty layers of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to hit the spot. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
