Hearty Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe

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Introduction

Looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for a family dinner? This Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the ideal choice! With layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a wonderful make-ahead meal or a dish to bring to potlucks, offering both comfort and convenience.

Overview of the Recipe

This Hamburger and Potato Casserole combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a flavorful and filling dish. The casserole is made by layering thinly sliced potatoes with cooked ground beef and onions, then covering it all in a creamy mixture of condensed soup, milk, and sour cream. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked to perfection, this dish is a classic comfort food that’s both easy to make and delicious.

History and Origin

Casseroles have long been a staple in American cuisine, particularly popular in the Midwest. The concept of combining meat, vegetables, and a starchy base like potatoes in a single dish has roots in traditional European cooking. This particular recipe is reminiscent of those practical, no-fuss meals that became popular in the mid-20th century, when canned soups were first introduced and widely used in American kitchens for their convenience. The hamburger and potato combination, along with a creamy sauce, reflects the hearty, filling nature of casseroles that families have enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3–4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Paprika or dried herbs (optional, for seasoning)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes if you prefer, then thinly slice them into even rounds. Set the sliced potatoes aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion

  1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, stirring occasionally. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Season: Drain any excess fat from the skillet and season the beef mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom (or cream of chicken) soup, milk, and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This will create a rich and creamy sauce for the casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9Ă—13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Layer the Potatoes: Start by arranging half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  3. Add the Beef Layer: Spread half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the layer of potatoes.
  4. Pour the Sauce: Drizzle half of the creamy sauce mixture over the beef and potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
  5. Repeat the Layers: Add the remaining sliced potatoes in a second layer, followed by the rest of the ground beef mixture. Pour the remaining sauce over the top, ensuring everything is covered.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake

  1. Add the Cheese and Seasoning: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. If desired, add a dash of paprika or dried herbs for extra flavor and color.
  2. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, allowing the potatoes to cook and soften in the creamy sauce.
  3. Finish Baking: After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes. The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This resting time allows the casserole to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy the warm, comforting layers of hamburger and potato goodness!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside green beans, peas, or a simple coleslaw. A refreshing lemonade or iced tea would make a perfect drink to accompany this hearty dish.

Variations of the Recipe

  1. Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole: Add crumbled turkey bacon to the layers for extra flavor and a bit of crunch.
  2. Mexican-Style Casserole: Spice things up by adding taco seasoning to the ground beef and layering in some corn and black beans. Top with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
  3. Vegetable-Loaded Casserole: Incorporate layers of thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the potatoes for a more veggie-packed meal.

Health Benefits Notes

This casserole is rich in protein from the ground beef and provides a good source of carbohydrates from the potatoes. You can make this dish lighter by using lean ground beef or substituting ground turkey. For a lower-fat option, you can also use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream. Additionally, adding vegetables to the casserole increases its fiber and nutrient content, making it a more balanced meal.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

2. Can I freeze this casserole? Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.

3. What other cheese can I use instead of cheddar? You can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses to suit your taste.

4. How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked? The potatoes are fully cooked when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. If they are still firm after the suggested baking time, cover the dish with foil again and continue baking until they are done.

5. Can I use canned potatoes? While fresh potatoes are recommended for the best texture, you can use canned sliced potatoes in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well before layering.

Conclusion

Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce into one delicious meal. It’s easy to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try one of the suggested variations, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this homemade dish.

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