Description
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients :
1½ lbs ground beef
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
¾ cup milk
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Ingredients: Peel and slice the potatoes thinly, and chop the onion.
Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until beef is browned and onion is translucent. Drain excess grease. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Layer the Casserole:
In a bowl, mix condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom.
Add half of the beef mixture, then pour half of the soup mixture over it. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, soup mixture, and cheese.
Bake the Casserole:
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Kcal: 550 per serving | Servings: 6
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect casserole every time. First, ensure your potatoes are sliced uniformly, about 1/8-inch thick, for even cooking. A mandoline slicer works best. When browning the beef, break it into small crumbles and cook until no pink remains. Draining the fat thoroughly is crucial to prevent a greasy final dish. For the layering, press the potato layers down gently to create a solid base. When mixing the soup and milk, whisk until completely smooth to avoid lumps in your sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp side to balance its richness. Consider serving it with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots. For a comforting dinner, add a side of warm, crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up any extra cheesy sauce.
How-to Summary
To make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: thinly slice potatoes and chop an onion. Brown ground beef with the onion, drain, and season. Mix cream of mushroom soup with milk. In a greased dish, layer potatoes, the beef mixture, the soup mixture, and cheese. Repeat. Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 hour, then uncover and bake 30 more minutes until golden. Garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
Can I use a different soup? Absolutely. Cream of celery, chicken, or golden mushroom soup are excellent substitutes and will alter the flavor profile slightly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish, covered with foil, in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
My potatoes are still hard. What happened? This usually means the slices were too thick. Ensure they are thinly and evenly sliced. You can also parboil the potato slices for 5 minutes before layering to guarantee tenderness.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey is a fine substitute. Because it is leaner, consider adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet when browning to maintain moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Beef: Skipping this step will make the casserole excessively oily.
- Uneven Potato Slices: Thick slices won’t cook through, resulting in a crunchy, unpleasant texture.
- Forgetting to Season Each Layer: Lightly season the potato layers with salt and pepper to build flavor throughout.
- Overcrowding the Skillet: Browning the beef in a too-small pan steams it instead of browning it. Cook in batches if necessary.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining simple, pantry-staple ingredients into a satisfying and family-friendly dish. Its layered construction creates a wonderful harmony of flavors and textures, from the tender potatoes and savory beef to the rich, creamy cheese topping. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can master this classic recipe. It’s a dependable, delicious option for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal that is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.