Of course! Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a hearty, all-in-one dish that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and lots of melted cheese. Think of it as a deconstructed cheeseburger in a cozy, baked form.
Here is a classic, family-friendly recipe with plenty of tips and variations.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
This recipe is straightforward and uses common ingredients for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Layer:
· 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal for flavor)
· 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
· (Optional) ½ teaspoon paprika or dried oregano
For the Creamy Sauce:
· 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or Cream of Chicken or Celery)
· ½ cup beef broth or milk
· ⅓ cup sour cream
· 1 tablespoon ketchup or tomato paste (adds a subtle “burger” tang)
For the Assembly:
· 4-5 cups thinly sliced russet potatoes (about 3-4 medium potatoes)*
· 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
· Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pro Tip: For faster cooking, use a mandoline or food processor to slice the potatoes uniformly, about ⅛-inch thick. You can also use frozen (thawed) shredded hash browns for an even quicker version.
Instructions:
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for one more minute. Remove from heat.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, beef broth (or milk), sour cream, and ketchup until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole:
· Layer 1: Spread a thin layer (about ½ cup) of the creamy sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
· Layer 2: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes over the sauce.
· Layer 3: Spread all of the cooked hamburger meat mixture evenly over the potatoes.
· Layer 4: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
· Layer 5: Arrange the remaining potato slices over the cheese.
· Layer 6: Pour the remaining creamy sauce evenly over the top, making sure to cover the potatoes completely. - Bake (Covered): Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese & Bake (Uncovered): Remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Return to the oven, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Why This Recipe Works:
· Thin Potato Slices: Ensures the potatoes cook through perfectly in the same time as the rest of the casserole.
· Layering: Distributing the cheese between layers ensures every bite is cheesy.
· The Sauce: The combination of soup, broth, and sour cream creates a rich, creamy, and flavorful binder that doesn’t dry out.
Tips for Success:
· Potato Prep: For even cooking, try to slice all potatoes to the same thickness. Soaking the sliced potatoes in cold water for 15 minutes can remove excess starch and prevent discoloration, but be sure to pat them very dry before assembling to avoid a watery casserole.
· Cheese: Shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in starch to prevent clumping, which can make it harder to melt smoothly.
· Test for Doneness: The potatoes are the key. If they aren’t tender after the initial bake, re-cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes before adding the cheese.
· Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole (through step 4) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
Delicious Variations:
· “Big Mac” Style: Add a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing over each serving for that classic burger flavor.
· Bacon Cheeseburger: Mix in ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon with the ground beef.
· Vegetable Boost: Add 1 cup of frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables between the meat and cheese layers.
· Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño to the beef while cooking, or use a can of Rotel tomatoes (drained) instead of the ketchup.
· Tater Tot Version: For the ultimate easy swap, replace the sliced potatoes with a layer of frozen tater tots. You may need to reduce the initial covered baking time slightly.
This casserole is hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy