Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish made with layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and lots of melted cheese. It’s perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or when you need a filling meal for the whole family!

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (you can use lean or regular)
4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or use cream of chicken if preferred)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes. You can use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to ensure the slices are even. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
Set the potatoes aside in a bowl of water to prevent them from browning while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook and crumble it until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Stir in the dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to season the beef mixture. Set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Whisk together until smooth and well combined. This will create a creamy base for the casserole.
Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and well incorporated.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Layer the bottom of the dish with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes. Then, add half of the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes.
Pour half of the creamy cheese sauce over the ground beef layer.
Repeat the layers: another layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining beef mixture, and finish with the rest of the creamy cheese sauce.
Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.

5. Bake the Casserole:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
If you prefer a crispier top, you can bake for an extra 5-10 minutes uncovered.

6. Serve:

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and added freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole:

Comforting and Hearty: This casserole is the ultimate comfort food, with layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese—what’s not to love?
Easy to Make: It’s a simple, one-dish meal that doesn’t require much prep time. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something delicious and filling.
Family-Friendly: This casserole is sure to please everyone at the table, including kids and picky eaters! You can even sneak in some veggies if you want (like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach).
Great for Leftovers: This casserole stores well in the fridge and makes excellent leftovers for the next day. It’s just as tasty, if not better, after sitting for a while.

Tips for the Best Casserole:

Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this casserole since they break down a little and become soft and creamy as they bake. However, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes if you prefer a slightly firmer texture.
Slicing the Potatoes: Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly so they cook through properly during the baking process. You can use a mandolin slicer for uniform slices.
Cheese Options: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with different cheese blends for added flavor. Try mozzarella for extra gooeyness, or sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
Add Vegetables: If you want to sneak in some veggies, sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the ground beef to add extra nutrients to the casserole.
Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat!

FAQs:

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole! Assemble it, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings to your taste.

Q: Can I make this casserole in a smaller baking dish?

If you’re making a smaller portion, you can use an 8×8-inch or smaller baking dish, but be sure to reduce the ingredients accordingly and check the casserole as it bakes for doneness.