Hamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare and pleases the entire family, this Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the perfect choice. With layers of tender Yukon gold potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted Colby jack cheese, it’s comfort food at its finest. Ideal for busy weeknights, this casserole can be prepped ahead of time and baked when you’re ready. It’s a crowd-pleaser with simple ingredients, making it a must-try for any home cook.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to make this delicious casserole. The ingredients are easy to find, and you likely already have many of them in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 2.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, washed (about 8 to 9 potatoes)
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 3 cups freshly shredded Colby jack cheese (divided into ¾ cup, ¾ cup, and 1½ cups)

this RECIPE

Essential Kitchen Equipment

Before you get started, gather these kitchen tools to make the process smoother:

• A 9×13 baking dish
• A sharp knife for slicing potatoes
• A mixing bowl for combining the soup mixture
• A large saucepan or Dutch oven to cook the beef mixture
• Aluminum foil for covering the casserole
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Slice the Yukon gold potatoes into ⅛-inch thick slices. Place them in water to prevent them from browning as you prepare the other ingredients. This step ensures your potatoes stay fresh and ready for layering later.

2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the lean ground beef, diced sweet onion, and minced garlic over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to break up the beef as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess oil from the pan. This will help reduce grease in the casserole.

3. Create the Creamy Sauce

In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, half and half, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined, as this will form the creamy base of your casserole.

4. Layering the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray the 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Drain the water from the sliced potatoes and begin the layering process:

• Place ⅓ of the potato slices in an even layer at the bottom of the baking dish.
• Add ⅓ of the ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes.
• Sprinkle ¾ cup of shredded Colby jack cheese over the beef.
• Drizzle ⅓ of the soup mixture over the cheese.
  Repeat this process two more times, making sure to evenly distribute the ingredients.

5. Top with Cheese and Bake

For the final layer, sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded cheese on top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and flavors. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes to allow the cheese on top to become golden and bubbly. Once done, let the casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving. This will help it set and be easier to slice.

How to Layer the Casserole for Maximum Flavor

The key to a perfect hamburger and potato casserole is how you layer the ingredients. Make sure each layer is evenly distributed to ensure every bite has a good balance of potatoes, beef, cheese, and creamy sauce. Starting and ending with potatoes helps create a solid base and top for the dish, with the beef and cheese nestled in the middle for rich flavor in every forkful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Casserole

• Slicing the potatoes too thick: Stick to the recommended ⅛-inch slices to ensure they cook evenly and become tender. Thicker slices can result in unevenly cooked potatoes.
• Not draining the beef: Failing to drain the excess oil can make the casserole greasy, so be sure to remove any fat from the pan before assembling.
• Skipping the resting time: The casserole needs to rest for 15 minutes after baking. This allows it to set and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.

Variations on the Classic Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas to customize this casserole:

• Swap the cheese: Try using cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack cheese for a twist.
• Add vegetables: Mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Change the soup: Instead of cream of mushroom, use cream of chicken or even cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

For a well-rounded meal, serve this Hamburger and Potato Casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. This casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes.

Can I Freeze This Casserole?

Yes! This dish freezes well. Assemble the casserole, but stop before baking. Cover it with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cook time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can substitute Yukon gold potatoes with russet potatoes or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can use dairy-free cheese and substitute the half and half with a plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk) to make this recipe dairy-free.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works just as well in this recipe. You might want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor.

Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

• For added flavor, sauté the onions and garlic separately until caramelized before adding them to the beef.
• If you prefer a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 5 minutes of baking.
• For extra creaminess, mix a little sour cream into the soup mixture.

conclusion

Enjoy this Hamburger and Potato Casserole for a comforting, delicious meal that the whole family will love. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and subscribe to our blog for more tasty, easy-to-make dishes like this!

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