Hamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe

Looking for an easy, satisfying meal that brings together savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese in one delicious dish? This Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or a cozy meal on a chilly night. It’s packed with layers of seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and thinly sliced potatoes, all baked to bubbly perfection. Read on to discover the full recipe, including step-by-step instructions and variations to make it your own!

this Recipe

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What is a Hamburger and Potato Casserole?

A Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a comforting, layered dish featuring ground beef (hamburger), thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy sauce, often topped with cheese. The casserole is baked until the potatoes are tender, the beef is perfectly cooked, and the cheese is melted and golden. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a hearty, filling meal with minimal prep. Plus, it’s a great way to use simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

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Ingredients List for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this Hamburger and Potato Casserole. This recipe serves 4-6 people.

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
• 6 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend of your choice)
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (for garnish)
• Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

These basic ingredients are easy to find and combine to create a delicious, creamy casserole that’s rich in flavor with every bite.

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Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is versatile, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten up the dish while maintaining the same flavors.
• Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for a bit of heat.
• Vegetables: Add more vegetables to make it heartier—chopped carrots, bell peppers, or peas would make excellent additions.
• Healthier Options: For a healthier twist, use low-fat sour cream and cheese, and opt for lean ground beef or turkey.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free condensed soup and ensure that your other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Potato Substitutes: Try using sweet potatoes or thinly sliced parsnips for a slightly sweeter and healthier variation.

These substitutions let you customize the casserole to your liking while keeping the classic essence of this comforting dish intact.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow this step-by-step guide to create the perfect Hamburger and Potato Casserole—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish (9x13-inch) with cooking spray or butter and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the pan. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) for extra flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

While the beef is cooking, peel and thinly slice the potatoes. The slices should be about ⅛-inch thick to ensure they cook evenly. A mandoline is a helpful tool for making uniform slices, but a sharp knife works just as well.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream. Whisk until smooth and well blended. This sauce will coat the layers of beef and potatoes, making the casserole creamy and flavorful.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Begin by spreading a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom of your greased casserole dish. Then, layer half of the potato slices over the beef. Pour a portion of the cream mixture over the potatoes, ensuring they are coated evenly.

Next, add another layer of the cooked beef mixture, followed by the remaining potatoes. Pour the rest of the cream sauce over the top, making sure all the potatoes are well coated. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. After an hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are fork-tender. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly crispy.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice into portions.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Hamburger and Potato Casserole turns out perfect every time, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Not slicing potatoes evenly: Uneven potato slices can lead to some pieces being undercooked while others are too soft. Try to slice them as uniformly as possible.
• Skipping the foil: If you don’t cover the casserole during the first hour of baking, the cheese can burn before the potatoes are fully cooked.
• Not allowing the casserole to rest: Letting the casserole rest after baking is crucial for the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

The Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a simple yet comforting dish, but a few presentation touches can elevate it to a beautiful family-style meal.

How to Serve Hamburger and Potato Casserole

• Serve the casserole hot, scooping portions directly from the baking dish with a large serving spoon.
• Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole.
• If you’d like, serve the casserole with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the creamy sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

• Garnish the top of the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast iron skillets for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation.
• For a homey, family-style presentation, place the casserole dish directly in the center of the table and let everyone dig in.

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Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, simply bake as directed. This makes it a great dish for meal prep or busy weeknights.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked potatoes?
A: Yes! You can use pre-cooked or even frozen hash browns as a time-saving shortcut. Just ensure they’re thawed and drained well before layering them in the casserole.

Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or substitute with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or even black beans for a hearty vegetarian version.

Q: Can I freeze the casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Q: What type of potatoes work best for this casserole?
A: Russet potatoes are ideal because they become tender and creamy when baked, but Yukon Golds are also a great option for a buttery texture.

Q: Can I use canned soup alternatives?
A: You can make your own homemade cream sauce using heavy cream and sautéed mushrooms if you prefer not to use canned soup.

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Conclusion

The Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a classic, comforting dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home. With layers of savory beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion, from busy weeknights to a family gathering. Plus, with the flexibility to adjust the ingredients and make it ahead of time, this casserole is a stress-free option that delivers big on flavor. Grab your ingredients and start baking—you’ll love how easy and delicious this meal is!

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