Hamburger Potato Casserole: Hearty Magic in Minutes5

hamburger potato casserole

This hearty hamburger potato casserole is the perfect comfort food for those chilly evenings when you need something filling and satisfying. Combining layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce, this hamburger potato casserole brings together classic flavors that the whole family will love. The casserole bakes to perfection with a golden, slightly crispy top while maintaining a moist, flavorful interior that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Hamburger Potato Casserole: Incredible Cheesy Wonder

The beauty of this hamburger potato casserole lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily customize it with additional vegetables like bell peppers or corn, or switch up the cheese varieties to suit your taste preferences. The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and dairy makes this a complete one-dish meal that’s both economical and satisfying.

Perfect for busy weeknights when you need to feed a hungry family, this casserole can be prepared ahead of time and even frozen for future meals. The layered approach allows flavors to meld together during baking, creating a cohesive dish that tastes as though it took hours to prepare, when in reality, most of the cooking time is hands-off in the oven.

📌 Number of Servings: 8

⏳ Preparation Time: 25 minutes

🔥 Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

🥢 Ingredients :

✅ 2 lbs ground beef
✅ 1 large onion, diced
✅ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 2 tsp salt, divided
✅ 1 tsp black pepper, divided
✅ 2 tsp paprika
✅ 1 tsp dried oregano
✅ 3 lbs russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch)
✅ 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
✅ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
✅ 1 1/2 cups beef broth
✅ 1 cup heavy cream
✅ 2 tbsp butter
✅ 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
✅ 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions :

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the beef into smaller pieces while it browns.
3. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until it releases its aromatic oils, about 60 seconds.
4. Season the meat mixture with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Stir well and remove from heat.
5. Warm the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until completely melted. Sprinkle in the flour while continuously whisking to form a smooth paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly golden to create the base for your sauce.
6. Gradually stream the beef broth into the mixture while whisking vigorously to ensure a silky-smooth consistency without any clumps. Add the heavy cream and continue to whisk until the mixture starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted. Season with remaining salt and pepper.
8. Arrange a foundation layer by evenly distributing half of your potato slices across the base of your greased baking dish. Top with half of the meat mixture.
9. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the meat layer. Repeat with remaining potatoes, meat mixture, and cheese sauce.
10. Tent the casserole with aluminum foil, sealing the edges, and let it cook in the preheated oven for three-quarters of an hour.
11. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
12. Give the casserole a 10-minute break after baking to let the flavors settle before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

💡 TIPS :

• Slice the potatoes to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
• For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the meat mixture.
• You can prepare this casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
• For a lower-fat version, use ground turkey instead of beef and substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• If you prefer more vegetables, add 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables to the meat mixture.
• To check if the potatoes are done, insert a fork – it should go through easily.
• Allow the casserole to cool slightly after baking—this helps the sauce thicken beautifully. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead meal.

📊 Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 520
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 32g

❓ hamburger potato casserole (FAQ) :

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? If you’re looking for a leaner alternative, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute. You may want to add a bit more seasoning as turkey has a milder flavor.
2. What’s the best way to tell if the potatoes are done cooking? Insert a fork into the center of the casserole – the potatoes should be tender and offer no resistance.
3. Can I make this hamburger potato casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
4. What can I serve with hamburger potato casserole? A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread make excellent sides to balance this hearty dish.
5. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this casserole freezes well. Portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
6. My casserole seems too watery. What went wrong? This can happen if your potatoes release too much moisture. Try slicing them and letting them sit on paper towels for 10 minutes before assembling, or use slightly less broth.
7. Can I use pre-shredded cheese of this hamburger potato casserole? While convenient, pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts. Freshly shredded cheese will give you the creamiest results.
8. Is there a way to make this hamburger potato casserole vegetarian? Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, lentils, or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and walnuts. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
9. Can I use a different type of potato? Russet potatoes work best for their starch content, but Yukon Gold potatoes are a good alternative for a buttery flavor and creamy texture.
10. How can I reduce the calorie content of this hamburger potato casserole? Use lean ground beef (90% or leaner), reduce the cheese by half, and substitute the heavy cream with evaporated milk or half-and-half.

Related