“`
This Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a cozy dish that’s perfect for a family dinner! It combines juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese, all baked together.
It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love how easy it is to throw together—just layer it up, pop it in the oven, and you’re ready for a tasty meal!
Whenever I make this casserole, it quickly disappears! Pair it with a fresh salad for a delightful dinner. Trust me, leftovers are even better the next day!
“`
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for this recipe as it has the right fat content for flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, go with ground turkey or chicken. You can also substitute with plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option!
Onion & Garlic: Diced onions and minced garlic are essential for that base flavor. If you’re in a pinch, shallots or green onions can work, and garlic powder can be a quick substitute for fresh garlic.
Potatoes: I used standard russet potatoes, which work great in casseroles. Yukon gold potatoes are also a good choice for their buttery taste, but avoid waxy varieties like red potatoes as they don’t break down as well.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great kick! If you want to mix things up, try using Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses. Vegan cheese can be a good substitute for a dairy-free option.
Sour Cream & Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you’re looking for healthier choices, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream, and homemade cream of mushroom soup is a great alternative to canned versions.
How Do I Layer the Casserole for the Best Flavor?
Layering properly is key to making sure every bite is delicious. Start with those potatoes at the bottom to soak up flavors. Here’s the best way to layer your casserole:
- First, half of the sliced potatoes goes in, acting as a sturdy base.
- Add half of the cooked beef mixture, making sure it’s evenly spread.
- Next, layer half of the soup mixture, allowing it to seep into the potatoes.
- Repeat these layers for balance before topping with cheese; this ensures even cooking and a creamy texture.
Remember to cover it with foil initially to make sure the potatoes cook through without burning the cheese on top!
Delicious Hamburger and Potato Casserole
What You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty casserole will take about 30 minutes of prep time and then around 1 hour and 15 minutes to bake, plus a few minutes to cool down before you dig in. It’s a perfect comfort dish for a cozy family dinner!
Instructions:
First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures our casserole cooks evenly and becomes wonderfully bubbly.
Now, grab a large skillet and drizzle in the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté those lovely aromatics until the onion turns translucent—this will only take a few minutes and smells fantastic!
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Don’t forget to season it with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and the Worcestershire sauce for that extra flavor. If there’s a lot of excess fat after cooking, go ahead and drain it.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until you have a beautiful, smooth mixture. This will add creaminess to our casserole that you’re going to love!
Now, let’s start layering! Grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and place half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. This will serve as the perfect base for your layers.
Spread half of the ground beef mixture over those potatoes, followed by half of the delicious soup mixture. Don’t worry about being perfect—just spread it out as best as you can!
Time to repeat! Layer the remaining potatoes, the rest of the ground beef, and top with the remaining soup mixture. You’re building up to a deliciously hearty meal!
To finish off our casserole, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. It’s going to melt to perfection!
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from over-browning while baking. Place it in your preheated oven and let it bake for 1 hour.
After that hour, carefully remove the foil and let it bake for another 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to become bubbly and golden brown—it’s the best part!
Once it’s done, give it a few minutes to cool while you savor the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
And there you have it—a warm, comforting Hamburger and Potato Casserole that the whole family will adore. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. Cooking times will be similar, but ensure that the turkey is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a meat alternative such as lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance! Simply assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and then cover with foil to bake as directed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Enjoy your meal again!
