Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! With ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes, it’s easy to prepare and satisfies even the hungriest appetites.

Ingredients:

• For the Casserole:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (you can use Russet or Yukon Gold)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or use cream of chicken if preferred)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (you can also mix mozzarella for extra stretch)
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking the beef)
• For Topping:
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for the top layer)
  • Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes (about 1/8-inch thick). You can use a mandolin slicer to ensure even slices. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
• Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of water to prevent them from browning.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
• Stir in garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set the mixture aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

• In a medium bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Whisk until smooth.
• Add 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well-combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
• Start by layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish.
• Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes.
• Pour half of the creamy cheese sauce over the beef.
• Repeat the layers: add the remaining potatoes, followed by the remaining beef, and top with the remaining creamy cheese sauce.

5. Bake the Casserole:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
• After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Add the Topping:

• Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
• Return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color (optional).
• Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole:

• Comforting and Hearty: With its rich, creamy sauce, savory ground beef, and tender potatoes, this casserole is pure comfort food that’s perfect for a filling meal.

• Easy to Make: This is a one-dish meal that requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients, making it ideal for busy nights. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy

• Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table, even picky eaters! The layers of cheese and meat make it irresistible.

• Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully and makes for a great lunch the next day.

Tips for the Best Casserole:

• Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best in casseroles because they break down slightly and become soft and creamy as they cook.

• Layering: Make sure to layer the ingredients evenly so that the potatoes cook thoroughly and the flavors meld well throughout the casserole.

• Cheese Options: If you want a stretchier, more gooey cheese, you can mix in mozzarella along with the cheddar for a deliciously melty texture.

• Customize the Veggies: You can sneak in some vegetables by adding things like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the ground beef mixture. Just make sure to cook them beforehand to release excess moisture. Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta

• Make Ahead: You can assemble this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it as directed when you’re ready to serve.

FAQs:

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?

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

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

• Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this casserole.

Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

• Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with a vegetarian protein like lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat substitute.

Q: What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

• If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup, or make a simple homemade white sauce (béchamel) with butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. Billion Dollar Buttery Biscuits