ADVERTISEMENT
Homestyle Hamburger and Potato Casserole: Comfort in Every Bite
For the ultimate comfort food experience, this Hamburger and Potato Casserole combines hearty potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheese in a creamy bake. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you crave a one-dish meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Hearty and Satisfying: A balanced meal of protein, carbs, and dairy that fills you up.
- Simple Ingredients: This dish uses pantry staples and requires minimal prep time.
- Customizable: Easily add vegetables, swap cheeses, or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Save time by prepping in advance and baking when needed.
Nutritional Benefits:
Potatoes provide fiber and potassium, while ground beef adds protein and iron, making this casserole as nourishing as it is delicious. Cheddar cheese also adds calcium for a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) reduced cream of mushroom or chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
For Topping:
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Optional seasonings: paprika, rosemary, or thyme for added flavor
Cooking Tips:
- Slice Potatoes Thinly: This ensures they cook evenly and become tender in the casserole.
- Drain Excess Fat: After browning the ground beef, drain any extra fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or thyme, which pair beautifully with potatoes and beef.
Directions
1. Preheat Oven and Prep Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Thinly slice the potatoes and set them aside.
2. Brown Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth.
4. Layer the Casserole:
- Place half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the greased baking dish.
- Spoon half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the creamy sauce.
- Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.
5. Add Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, along with any additional seasonings like paprika or dry herbs if desired.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven.
6. Finish Baking:
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 20-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving for easier portions.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this comforting casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness to the meal. It’s also great with a side of crusty bread for mopping up any extra sauce!
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Later: This casserole can be frozen baked or unbaked for up to 2 months. If freezing, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating or baking.
Why This Will Be a Family Favorite:
Easy, hearty, and adaptable, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone back to the table for second helpings!
Invite friends and family to try this recipe and share the love of home-cooked goodness!
