ADVERTISEMENT

Hamburger and Potato Casserole: A Comforting Classic

ADVERTISEMENT

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly (about 1/8 inch thick)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional for garnish)
Directions:

  1. Prepare the Potatoes:
    Start by peeling and slicing the potatoes thinly. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, aim for uniform slices that will cook evenly. Once sliced, set them aside.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef:
    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
    In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika, stirring until everything is well combined.
  4. Assemble the Casserole:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin layering the casserole by spreading half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish. Follow with half of the cooked ground beef mixture, then pour half of the soup mixture over the top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and soup mixture.
  5. Bake the Casserole:
    Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
  6. Serve and Enjoy:
    Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve the casserole hot with a side salad or crusty bread, and enjoy the comforting goodness!

Why You’ll Love Hamburger and Potato Casserole:

  1. Comforting and Hearty:
    This casserole is everything you want in comfort food: filling, satisfying, and full of familiar flavors. The tender potatoes combined with savory ground beef make for a hearty dish that will warm you up from the inside out.
  2. Simple Ingredients:
    You don’t need to hunt for exotic ingredients to make this casserole. Most of the items are likely already in your pantry or fridge, making it a convenient option for any day of the week.
  3. Perfect for Leftovers:
    Hamburger and Potato Casserole makes great leftovers. The flavors only get better the next day, and the casserole reheats beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
  4. Customizable:
    While this recipe is already a delicious classic, you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes. Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms, or switch up the cheese for something like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. For a bit of heat, toss in some chili flakes or hot sauce.
  5. Crowd-Pleaser:
    This casserole is perfect for feeding a large group. It’s filling, delicious, and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings like family reunions, potlucks, or holiday dinners.

Final Thoughts:
Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel at home, whether you’re eating it around the family table or sharing it with friends. With its simple ingredients and satisfying layers, it’s no surprise that this casserole has stood the test of time as a classic favorite.

So next time you’re craving a hearty, no-fuss meal, give this casserole a try. In less than an hour, you’ll have a delicious, comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite for years to come!

ADVERTISEMENT

Leave a Comment