Elevate Your Dinner Table with Hamburger Potato Casserole

Looking for a hearty and satisfying dish that will please the whole family? Look no further than our Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe! This comforting casserole features layers of tender ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection in one dish. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with loved ones, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how easy it is to bring warmth and flavor to your dinner table!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds of ground beef
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup of milk
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Season Beef Mixture: Season the cooked ground beef mixture with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Layer Potatoes: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Add Beef Mixture: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the layer of potatoes in the baking dish.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
Repeat Layers: Layer the remaining sliced potatoes on top of the cheese, followed by the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Prepare Mushroom Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk. Stir until well combined.
Pour Sauce Over Casserole: Pour the mushroom soup mixture evenly over the layered casserole.
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations:

Add Vegetables: Enhance the casserole by adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the ground beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef in this recipe for a lighter alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before layering in the casserole.

Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Simply bake it when ready to serve, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, leftover casserole can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I use homemade cream of mushroom soup? A: Certainly! If you prefer homemade cream of mushroom soup, feel free to use it in place of the canned version. Just adjust the consistency with milk as needed.

Q: Can I add additional spices to the mushroom sauce? A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the mushroom sauce with your favorite herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.

Keto Version:

Replace Potatoes: Substitute the russet potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips to create a low-carb version of this casserole.
Use Keto Condensed Soup: Replace the condensed cream of mushroom soup with a keto-friendly version made with almond milk, heavy cream, and mushroom broth.
Limit Milk: Reduce the amount of milk or use unsweetened almond milk to lower the carb content of the casserole.

Low Carb Version:

Reduce Onion: Limit the amount of onion used in the recipe or omit it altogether to reduce the carb count.
Eliminate Potatoes: Skip the potatoes entirely and add extra vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or cauliflower to keep the dish low-carb.
Thicken with Xanthan Gum: Use xanthan gum as a low-carb thickener for the mushroom sauce instead of flour-based condensed soup.

With its layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and creamy mushroom sauce, Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving classic comfort food or looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner idea, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the delicious flavors and hearty goodness of this irresistible dish!