Hamburger Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking for comfort food, there are few that have the same appeal of the classic Hamburger Potato Casserole. The classic dish is a blend of hearty potatoes, delicious ground beef and thick layer of spongy and cheese-y deliciousness which makes it a great choice for a relaxing family meal or gathering with your friends. If you’re a veteran home cook or are new to cooking, this dish is a breeze to cook and full of flavour. In this article we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need learn to prepare the perfect Hamburger Potato Casserole and provide suggestions, recipes, and steps-by-step directions.

Ingredients

Here are the essential ingredients to make the perfect Hamburger. Potato Casserole

  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • six medium-sized potatoes cut thinly
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup of beef stock
  • 1 can of cream of soup made from mushrooms (10.5 Oz)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 Tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tablespoons of butter
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked spice paprika
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • Half teaspoon dry Thyme
  • Optional toppings Optional toppings: chopped bacon bits, parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by assembling all your materials and equipment. Peel the potatoes and cut them into even, thin rounds. Cut the onion in half and mince the garlic and then shred the cheddar cheese if it’s not already shreddable.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large pan prepare the butter on medium-high temperature. In the same skillet, add ground beef, and cook until it is browned, then break it up with an wooden spoon. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Once the beef is cooked, take the beef from the pan and set it aside.

3. Saute the Onion and Garlic

Utilizing the same pan in which you cooked the diced onion along with minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, around 3-4 minutes.

4. Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour on top of the sauteed onions and garlic. Stir until coated, and cook for approximately 1 minute to get rid of the taste of raw flour. Slowly stir in the beef and milk broth, making sure to stir continuously to prevent lumps. Incorporate the soup’s cream and dried thyme. Then bring the soup to a boil. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, until it becomes thick.

5. Layer the Ingredients

Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190degC). In a baking dish that is greased (9×13 inches) put one-half of potato pieces equally over the top. Layer on half of the ground beef that has been cooked and pour the other half of the sauce on top. Repeat the layers using the remaining beef, potatoes, and sauce.

6. Add Cheese

Sprinkle the cheddar cheese shredded equally over the top of the casserole.

7. Bake the Casserole

The dish is covered with foil, then bake it for an hour. Remove the foil, and bake for another 15 minutes up to the point that potatoes become soft while the cheese becomes bubbly and golden.

8. Let It Rest

Let the casserole cool for a minimum of 10 minutes prior to serving. This will help the layers to get set and makes it much easier to cut.

Variations to Try

1. Vegetable-Packed Version

Include the frozen or fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans to add nutrients and the color.

2. Spicy Twist

Add diced jalapenos or red chili flakes in the beef mix for some spice.

3. Different Cheeses

Try cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepperjack for an original flavor character.

4. Gluten-Free Option

Make use of cornstarch instead to thicken the sauce and also ensure that the soup’s cream is gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

Hamburger Potato Casserole can be a hearty dish on its own, however you can add the following side dishes to create the perfect meal.

  • Mixed Green Salad: A light tart salad served with a dressing made of vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
  • Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus or Brussels sprouts are excellent side dishes.
  • Garlic Bread Warm, garlic bread with butter to soak up any sauce that remains.

Storage and Reheating Tips

1. Refrigeration

Remaining food items can be stored in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

2. Freezing

It is possible to freeze the casserole either before or after baking. Secure it using aluminum foil and store it inside the freezer to last 3 to 6 months. Thaw over night in the refrigerator prior to warming it up.

3. Reheating

To warm the casserole, cover it by foil, and then bake it at 350 degrees F (175degC) until the casserole is warmed up approximately 20-30 minutes.

Helpful Notes and Tips

  • Thickly Slice Potatoes The thin, uniform slices will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and soften.
  • The Taste of The Sauce: Before assembling the sauce, taste it then adjust the spice as necessary.
  • Qualitative of Cheese: Use freshly grated cheese to get the most melting consistency and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make use of sweet potatoes instead regular potatoes?

Sweet potatoes provide the perfect sweet taste to the dish.

2. What’s the most effective way to make sure that the potatoes are cooked to perfection?

The thin slicing of the potatoes while baking your casserole with a lid throughout the cooking time guarantees that they cook evenly.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! Make the casserole a day ahead of time and then store in the refrigerator. Bake the casserole just prior to serving.

4. What kind of ground meat is the best?

Ground beef is a classic however, you can utilize ground turkey or chicken, as well as vegan meat substitutes made from plants.

5. What can I do to prevent the casserole from getting too watery?

Remove the beef from the ground thoroughly and use starchy potatoes, such as russets, which soak up the liquid more effectively.

Conclusion

The Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect example of comfort food. It is a delicious combination of cheesy, creamy, and delicious flavors that are guaranteed to please all the guests at the dinner table. It doesn’t matter if you stick to the recipe from the past or modify the recipe with your own personal twists it’s sure to please the crowd. So put on your apron get your ingredients together and get cooking this classic. Be sure to share your recipe with your loved ones, because after all the best comfort food is shared with friends!

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Hamburger Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe


  • Author: isabil
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 6 medium-sized potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Optional toppings: chopped parsley, bacon bits

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

Peel and slice potatoes into thin rounds. Dice the onion, mince garlic, and shred the cheese if needed.

2. Cook Ground Beef

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Sautu00e9 Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, cook diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.

4. Make the Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and beef broth, ensuring no lumps. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and dried thyme. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

5. Layer the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375u00b0F (190u00b0C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the potato slices, half the cooked beef, and half the sauce. Repeat layers and top with shredded cheese.

6. Bake

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

Notes

  • Even Potato Slices: Use a mandoline slicer for consistent, thin slices that cook evenly.
  • Drain Beef: Ensure you drain excess grease from the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
  • Prep Time: 20minutes
  • Cook Time: 60minutes

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