Hey there, future chefs! Are you ready to dive into a recipe that’s super easy, incredibly tasty, and perfect for a cozy night in? I’m talking about Hamburger Potato Casserole! This dish is like a warm hug in a pan, and it’s so simple to make that even if you’ve never cooked before, you’ll nail it.
This guide will walk you through every step, from gathering your ingredients to baking your masterpiece. Plus, we’ll throw in some fun facts, helpful tips, and answer all your burning questions. Let’s get cooking!
: Seriously, this recipe is designed for beginners. If you can slice potatoes and brown ground beef, you’re already halfway there1.
: This casserole is packed with simple ingredients that won’t break the bank5. Perfect for feeding the whole family without emptying your wallet.
: Feel free to swap out ingredients to suit your taste. Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Prefer a different kind of cheese? No problem!
: Everyone loves a good casserole, and this one is guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike1.
Ingredient
Before we start, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a list of ingredients for the most delicious Hamburger Potato Casserole ever:
: 2 lbs (93% lean is a great choice to avoid extra grease)1.
: 5 medium Russet potatoes (or Yukon gold if you prefer)1.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier1.
Wash, peel (if desired), and slice the potatoes into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. A mandoline slicer can make this step super quick and easy3.
Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Grate the cheese if you’re not using pre-shredded cheese.
: Make the Meat Mixture
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks1.
Drain ALL excess fat from the skillet. This is super important to prevent a greasy casserole1!
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened1.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Remove from heat and set aside1.
: Whip Up the Cream Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat1.
Whisk in the gluten-free all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste (roux)1.
Gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth until the sauce is smooth and thickened1.
Remove from heat and whisk in the Greek yogurt. Season with salt and pepper to taste1.
In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well. Set aside3.
: Build the Casserole
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish1.
Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the layer of potatoes1.
Pour half the cream sauce (or cream of mushroom mixture) over the ground beef layer, spreading it evenly1.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, and cream sauce1.
: Cheese Time & Bake!
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole1.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender1.
Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly1.
: Cool and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to cut3.
Serve this delicious meal with a side salad or your favorite side of veggies like green beans, roasted broccoli, or sautéed zucchini1.
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
: Brown the ground beef in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can cause the beef to steam instead of brown properly.
: This will prevent the beef from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
: Don’t be afraid to season the ground beef and cream sauce with salt and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
: Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions to the top of the casserole for extra crunch.
: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
: Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for ground beef1.
: Use Yukon gold potatoes instead of Russet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor1.
: Try Colby jack, Monterey jack, or a dairy-free cheese alternative1.
: Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots to the meat mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a little heat.
: Stir in some fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for added flavor.
This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a meal in itself, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to add some freshness to the meal1.
: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and delicious side dish1.
: Steamed or sautéed green beans are a classic casserole side dish1.
: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce5.
: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days1.
: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Yes, you can freeze this casserole before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before baking or reheating.
Add a little extra milk or beef broth to the casserole before baking. You can also cover the casserole with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent it from drying out.
Make sure to drain all excess fat from the ground beef after browning. Using a leaner ground beef (93% lean) can also help.
While fresh potatoes are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen sliced potatoes in a pinch. Thaw them slightly before adding them to the casserole.
Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle some cheese between the layers for an extra cheesy casserole.
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can use sour cream or cream cheese instead.
Yes, you can! Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Yes, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs can add a nice crispy texture to the top of the casserole. Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking.
Russet potatoes are a great choice for casseroles because they are starchy and hold their shape well during baking1. Yukon gold potatoes are another good option, as they have a slightly sweeter flavor and creamy texture.
If you love this Hamburger Potato Casserole, here are a few other easy casserole recipes to try:
Spinach and Chicken Enchiladas
Big Mac Casserole
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
: Save time by buying pre-cut onions and pre-shredded cheese.
: Cook a big batch of ground beef on the weekend and use it in various meals throughout the week.
: For an even quicker version, use canned sliced potatoes, but be sure to drain them well.
: For an even quicker cleanup, consider using an oven-safe skillet to brown the beef and assemble the casserole.
: Combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese for a golden, crispy topping.
: Add a splash of cream sherry or white wine to the sauce for a more complex flavor.
: Arrange the potato slices in a circular pattern for a visually appealing presentation.
Congratulations, you’ve just made a delicious and comforting Hamburger Potato Casserole! Now it’s time to gather your family around the table and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this recipe. Happy cooking!
