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1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks. Once the beef is fully browned and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes), drain any excess fat, and set the beef aside.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Prepare the Potatoes
While the meat is cooking, peel and slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds (about 1/8-inch thick). This helps them cook evenly and ensures they become tender during baking. If you prefer a quicker prep time, you can also use frozen hash browns or pre-sliced potatoes for convenience.
5. Assemble the Casserole
In the greased casserole dish, layer the sliced potatoes evenly along the bottom. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Next, add a layer of the cooked ground beef, followed by a spoonful of sautéed onions and garlic. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, ending with a layer of potatoes on top.
6. Make the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and about 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in a teaspoon of dried herbs (like thyme or rosemary) and a dash of paprika for extra flavor. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the casserole, making sure it covers all the layers.
7. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses) over the top of the casserole. This will form a deliciously cheesy, golden crust as it bakes.
8. Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
9. Let It Rest
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to cut into neat slices.
Tips for the Best Hamburger and Potato Casserole:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are starchy and hold up well in casseroles. Yukon Golds are waxy and become creamier when baked. Both work well, but choose based on whether you want a firmer or creamier texture.
- Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can use a combination of cheeses. Add mozzarella for extra meltiness, or try pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Make it Lighter: To make a lighter version, swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt, and use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also opt for a low-fat or fat-free cream of mushroom soup.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté the vegetables with the onions and garlic before adding them to the casserole.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance. Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold dish.
Serving Suggestions:
This Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with some steamed broccoli or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
- Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is always a hit with casseroles and makes the perfect dipping accompaniment.
Why You’ll Love Hamburger and Potato Casserole:
This Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or your hungry family. The combination of savory beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese is irresistibly satisfying, and the best part is that it’s a one-dish meal that requires minimal effort.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s easy, versatile, and absolutely delicious. So next time you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal, this Hamburger and Potato Casserole will have you covered!
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