Hamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe

Looking for a delicious, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? This Hamburger and Potato Casserole recipe is just what you need! Combining ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and filling. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck, a cozy family dinner, or preparing meals for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple. Read on to find out how to make this comforting dish, along with some handy tips, variations, and answers to common questions.

What is Hamburger and Potato Casserole?

Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a classic, hearty dish made with layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s typically baked until golden and bubbly, resulting in a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender potatoes and savory hamburger meat, mixed with a creamy sauce and topped with cheese, makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser. With endless variations, you can tweak it to your family’s tastes or make it healthier by adding vegetables.

Ingredients List for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting dish:

• 1 lb ground beef: Lean beef is preferred to avoid excess grease. You can also use ground turkey or chicken.
• 5-6 medium potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best. Make sure they’re thinly sliced for even cooking.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds depth of flavor and sweetness to the casserole.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the casserole a punch of flavor.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: You can also use cream of chicken soup if preferred.
• 1 cup milk: Helps to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the dish its cheesy goodness. Feel free to mix it up with mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the meat and potatoes.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a slight smokiness and color.
• 2 tablespoon olive oil or butter: For sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Optional toppings: Fresh parsley, chives, or green onions for garnish.

Ingredients List for Topping (Optional but Recommended)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers: Adds a crispy topping to the casserole.
• 2 tablespoon melted butter: Mix with breadcrumbs to create a golden crust.
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle over the top for an extra cheesy, crispy layer.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly versatile, and you can easily adjust it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

• Protein Substitutions: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground “meat” for a vegetarian version. You can also add bacon bits or sausage for extra flavor.
• Potato Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, use thinly sliced sweet potatoes or cauliflower instead of white potatoes.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can use Swiss, Gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, or spinach to make the dish more nutritious.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cream soup and breadcrumbs if needed.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how you can make this comforting Hamburger and Potato Casserole from scratch:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes (if you prefer) and slice them thinly, about ⅛-inch thick. Set them aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
3. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. Once hot, add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
4. Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
5. Layer the casserole: Begin layering the casserole. Start with a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Then, spread a layer of cooked ground beef over the potatoes. Pour a portion of the soup mixture over the meat. Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
6. Add optional topping: If you want a crispy top, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl, and sprinkle it over the top layer of cheese.
7. Bake the casserole: Cover the 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 until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
8. Let it rest: Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the layers to set and make it easier to cut.

How to Cook Hamburger and Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

For a quick overview, here’s a condensed guide to cooking your Hamburger and Potato Casserole:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Slice potatoes thinly.
3. Cook ground beef with onions, garlic, and seasoning.
4. Whisk together cream soup and milk.
5. Layer casserole with potatoes, beef, sauce, and cheese.
6. Top with breadcrumbs (optional).
7. Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
8. Let it rest before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hamburger and Potato Casserole, keep these common mistakes in mind to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

• Not slicing the potatoes thinly enough: Thick potato slices may not cook fully, resulting in a crunchy texture. Slice them about ⅛-inch thick for best results.
• Skipping the seasoning: Season each layer—potatoes, beef, and sauce—to avoid a bland casserole.
• Overcooking the beef: Cook the ground beef until just browned; overcooking can make it dry.
• Not covering the casserole: Cover the dish with foil for the majority of the cooking time to prevent the top from burning while allowing the potatoes to cook through.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key to making any dish more appealing. Here’s how you can serve and present your Hamburger and Potato Casserole:

• Serve hot: This casserole is best served hot, straight out of the oven. Let it cool for 10 minutes to firm up before cutting.
• Garnish with herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley, chives, or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Pair it with sides: Serve this casserole with a light green salad, steamed vegetables, or warm bread to complete the meal.

How to Serve Hamburger and Potato Casserole

To serve, simply slice the casserole into squares or spoon it out onto plates. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables, adding a bit of balance to the rich, hearty casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

• Serve the casserole in the baking dish for a rustic, homey presentation.
• For individual servings, use ramekins or small cast-iron skillets to create single-serve portions.

Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

• Prep ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.
• Make it creamier: Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the soup mixture for extra creaminess.
• Crispy topping: If you prefer a crunchy topping, use crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it.

Can I freeze Hamburger and Potato Casserole?
Absolutely! Once assembled, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even make your own creamy béchamel sauce as a substitute.

How do I know when the casserole is done?
The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the top should be golden brown and bubbly. If the potatoes are still firm, continue baking for another 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. With its simple ingredients and versatile variations, you can easily make it your own. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some of the suggested substitutions, you’re bound to end up with a crowd-pleasing casserole that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Print