Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or feeding a crowd. With layers of seasoned hamburger meat, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and full of flavor. If you’re craving a satisfying, cheesy dinner, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean, but you can use any ground meat of your choice)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for a twist)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash, peel, and slice the russet potatoes into thin rounds. Set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook the beef until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (¾ cup). Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Layer the bottom of the casserole dish with a third of the sliced potatoes.
3. Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
4. Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef. Repeat the layers—potatoes, ground beef, and creamy sauce—until all ingredients are used up.
5. Finish by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
2. 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 when pierced with a fork. If you like your cheese a little crispier, bake for an extra 5 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
2. Sprinkle the casserole with dried parsley for an extra burst of color, if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Why This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a Must-Try:

• Hearty and Filling: This casserole is packed with layers of potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, making it the perfect comfort food.
• Simple Ingredients: With common ingredients like potatoes, ground beef, and cheddar cheese, you can whip up this casserole any time you want something filling and satisfying without needing to shop for exotic ingredients.
• Perfect for Family Meals: This casserole is great for large families or gatherings. It can be made ahead of time, and leftovers reheat well, making it convenient and budget-friendly.
• Customizable: Add in your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach, to make this dish your own.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole:

• Add Some Heat: If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the ground beef mixture for a kick.
• Cheese Variations: Try using a blend of cheeses, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack, in addition to cheddar, for a more complex flavor.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
• Crispier Topping: For an extra crispy crust on top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese before baking.

Perfect Pairings:

• Pair with a side salad of mixed greens or a simple coleslaw to balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Serve with garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to make it a hearty meal everyone will love.Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies