Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a simple, one-dish meal that combines layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and cheese. This casserole has a rich, savory flavor with just the right balance of creamy and cheesy textures. It’s perfect for feeding a family, and the ingredients are often things you already have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a dish for a potluck, this casserole is a go-to recipe that’s both filling and delicious.

Equipment:

• 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar sized casserole dish)
• Skillet for browning ground beef
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Potato peeler and slicer (or a mandolin slicer for thin, even slices)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

The first step in preparing your Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is to get everything ready.

1. Slice the Potatoes:
   Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. Aim for about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick slices. If you have a mandolin slicer, this is a great time to use it, as it ensures uniform thickness. Thin slices cook more evenly and help create the right texture for the casserole.
2. Dice the Onion:
   Peel and finely chop the onion. You’ll need about a cup or so of diced onion. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can opt for shallots instead of regular onions.
3. Shred the Cheese:
   If you’re using block cheese, shred it yourself. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a smoother texture than pre-shredded cheese, which can sometimes contain anti-caking agents.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Now that your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to cook the ground beef.

1. Cook the Beef:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned. Drain excess fat, especially if you’re using a fattier cut of beef, but leave a little fat for flavor.
2. Season the Beef:
   Add the diced onions to the pan with the beef and cook until they are softened, about 3 minutes. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using). Stir to combine the seasoning and cook for an additional minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set the beef mixture aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

The beauty of this casserole is in its layers. This is the part where you begin assembling the dish.

1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Potatoes:
   Start by placing a layer of sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange them so that they overlap slightly, covering the entire bottom.
3. Add the Ground Beef Mixture:
   Spread half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the potatoes. Ensure it’s evenly distributed.
4. Add Cream of Mushroom Soup:
   In a small bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the milk. Pour half of this mixture over the beef layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula or spoon.
5. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or more, depending on your cheese preference) over the beef mixture.
6. Repeat the Layers:
   Repeat the layers—add another layer of sliced potatoes, the remaining ground beef mixture, the remaining soup mixture, and finally, another layer of cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Now that the casserole is fully assembled, it’s time to bake.

1. Cover and Bake:
   Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. This helps the potatoes cook through and become tender. If you want the potatoes to be extra tender, you can bake them for a little longer (up to 1 hour).
2. Uncover and Brown the Top:
   After the initial baking time, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and the cheese is fully melted.

Step 5: Optional Topping (Breadcrumbs)

For a bit of extra texture and crunch, you can add a breadcrumb topping to your casserole.

1. Breadcrumbs and Cheese:
   About 5 minutes before the casserole is done baking, sprinkle the top with a mixture of breadcrumbs and a little shredded cheese. The breadcrumbs will add a delightful crunch while the cheese melts on top.
2. Finish Baking:
   Continue to bake until the top is golden and crispy, adding a nice contrast to the creamy layers inside.

Step 6: Let the Casserole Rest

Once your casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut into neat squares.

Tips for Success:

1. Slice Potatoes Thinly:
   The thinner the potato slices, the faster they will cook and the better they’ll absorb the flavors of the casserole. It also ensures the casserole layers stay cohesive.
2. Use Lean Ground Beef for a Lighter Dish:
   If you’re looking to make a healthier version, opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey. This will reduce the overall fat content of the dish while still providing plenty of flavor.
3. Add Vegetables:
   Feel free to sneak in extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition. Simply sauté them with the onions and beef to soften them before layering them into the casserole.
4. Use Cream of Chicken Soup:
   If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, cream of chicken soup is a great alternative and will still give you that creamy consistency. You can even try a combination of the two for a unique flavor.
5. Cheese Variations:
   While cheddar cheese is classic, don’t be afraid to mix it up with mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile. You could also add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an extra savory kick.
6. Make Ahead:
   This casserole can be assembled ahead of time. Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to bake it a little longer since it will be cold from the fridge.

Serving Suggestions:

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a filling and hearty dish that doesn’t require much else, but here are a few great sides and additions to complement it:

• Green Salad: A simple side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots add color and nutrition to the meal.
• Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: A crusty bread on the side is great for mopping up any extra cheese and sauce.
• Pickles or Coleslaw: These provide a tangy contrast to the richness of the casserole.

Conclusion:

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or potlucks. It’s simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients, and it’s sure to please even picky eaters. The layers of ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese come together to create a dish that’s both filling and delicious. Whether you make it exactly as written or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this casserole will be a hit at your table!

Yield: 6

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

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Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a simple, one-dish meal that combines layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and cheese. This casserole has a rich, savory flavor with just the right balance of creamy and cheesy textures. It’s perfect for feeding a family, and the ingredients are often things you already have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a dish for a potluck, this casserole is a go-to recipe that’s both filling and delicious.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3-4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns. Drain any excess fat, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare the casserole mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the cooked beef mixture. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Layer the casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spoon half of the beef mixture on top. Repeat the layers, ending with the beef mixture.
5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Finish: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the cheese melt and the top become golden.
8. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

You can use russet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, or even frozen hash browns for quicker prep.

For extra flavor, feel free to add in other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas.

If you prefer a crispy top, broil for a couple of minutes after baking.