Introduction:
Looking for a comforting and hearty meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this delicious Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe! Packed with flavorful ingredients and simple to prepare, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters. Let’s dive into how to make this satisfying casserole that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, followed by half of the sliced carrots and half of the frozen peas.
- Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the vegetables in the baking dish.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, carrots, peas, and ground beef mixture.
- In a small bowl, mix the condensed cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 cup of water until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of 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 continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Serving Tips:
- Serve this delicious Hamburger Potato Casserole hot, straight from the oven for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Storage Tips:
- If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or heat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as instructed above.
FAQ’s
- What ingredients do I need to make Hamburger Potato Casserole?
- You will need ground beef, onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, peas, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Can I substitute ground turkey for the ground beef?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer.
- How thin should I slice the potatoes for the casserole?
- Aim for thinly sliced potatoes, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
- Can I use frozen mixed vegetables instead of peas and carrots?
- Yes, you can use frozen mixed vegetables as a substitute for peas and carrots.
- Do I need to peel the potatoes before slicing them?
- Yes, it’s recommended to peel the potatoes before slicing them for this casserole.
- Can I use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom soup?
- Yes, you can use cream of chicken soup as a substitute for cream of mushroom soup if you prefer.
- How long does it take to bake the casserole?
- The casserole bakes for 45 minutes covered with foil, then an additional 15 minutes uncovered, for a total baking time of 1 hour.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- How should I store leftovers of the casserole?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Can I freeze the casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container.
- How do I reheat the casserole?
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Can I add other seasonings or herbs to the casserole?
- Yes, feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
- Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
- No, this dish contains ground beef, but you can make it vegetarian by substituting the beef with plant-based ground meat.
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
- Yes, you can use sweet potatoes as a substitute for regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and onions first, then layer all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- What can I serve with Hamburger Potato Casserole?
- Serve with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Can I omit the cheese from the recipe?
- Yes, you can omit the cheese if desired, but it adds a delicious flavor and texture to the casserole.
- How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
- Ensure all ingredients, including the cream of mushroom soup, are gluten-free, or use a gluten-free alternative.
- Can I use different types of cheese in the casserole?
- Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss.
- Can I add a layer of breadcrumbs on top for extra crunchiness?
- Yes, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for added texture and crunch.
Conclusion:
This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a satisfying and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for a well-rounded meal the whole family will enjoy. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself how delicious and comforting it truly is!
