Description
Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty and classic comfort food recipe featuring ground beef, thinly sliced russet potatoes, and layers of cheddar cheese baked in a creamy mushroom soup mixture. This budget-friendly casserole is perfect for cozy family dinners, offering a delicious and filling meal with rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.75 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish using some of the olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Season and Layer Beef: Season the cooked beef mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Spread half of this seasoned meat evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the first layer.
- Add Potato and Cheese Layers: Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes over the beef evenly, then sprinkle with one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining beef mixture and potato slices to build the casserole’s layers.
- Prepare Creamy Soup Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture generously over the potato layers, allowing the liquid to seep into the casserole for moisture and flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. This step ensures the potatoes cook through and flavors meld together.
- Add Final Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil from the casserole, sprinkle the remaining one cup of cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- You can add green peas or corn in the beef layer for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle buttery breadcrumbs on top before adding the last layer of cheese.
- Try substituting cheddar cheese with a mix of gruyere and mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor profile.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator and often taste better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hamburger casserole, potato casserole, comfort food, ground beef casserole, cheesy potato bake, classic American casserole
