Creamy Hamburger Potato Casserole: Comfort Food Perfection!

Craving a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please? Look no further than this creamy hamburger potato casserole! This dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. It combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, a rich and creamy sauce, and a cheesy topping for an explosion of flavor and texture in every bite. This recipe is also incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and spices to create a casserole that’s uniquely your own.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through each step of creating this delicious casserole, from prepping the ingredients to baking it to golden-brown perfection. We’ll also share tips and tricks for making it even easier and more flavorful. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Ultimate Comfort Food: This casserole is the definition of comfort food – warm, hearty, and satisfying. The creamy sauce and cheesy topping make it incredibly indulgent.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this casserole is easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
• Versatile: You can customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and spices to create a casserole that suits your taste.
• Budget-Friendly: This casserole is made with affordable ingredients, making it a great option for budget-conscious families.
• Great for Leftovers: This casserole is delicious reheated, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers the next day.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a potluck, this casserole is always a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 blend)
• Potatoes: 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds (Russet or Yukon Gold work well)
• Onion: 1 medium onion, chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• Sour Cream: 1 cup sour cream
• Milk: 1/2 cup milk
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Butter: 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Optional Add-ins: Cooked vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans), diced bell peppers, crispy fried onions, bacon bits

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the detailed instructions for making this amazing creamy hamburger potato casserole:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. You can use a mandoline slicer for even slices, but a sharp knife works just as well. Place the potato slices in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning while you prepare the other ingredients. Draining the potatoes and patting them dry before layering in the casserole will help prevent a watery casserole.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the cream of mushroom soup already contains salt, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Now it’s time to layer the casserole. Start with a layer of potato slices, overlapping them slightly to cover the bottom of the dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Next, spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Evenly distribute it across the potato layer.

Pour half of the creamy sauce over the ground beef. Make sure the sauce evenly coats the beef layer.

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce.

Repeat the layers: potatoes, ground beef, creamy sauce, and the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. This will ensure that each layer of the casserole is flavorful and cheesy.

Step 6: Drizzle with Melted Butter (Optional)

Drizzle the melted butter over the top layer of cheese. This will help the cheese brown evenly and add a richer flavor to the casserole. This step is optional, but highly recommended!

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour. Covering the casserole prevents the top from browning too quickly and ensures that the potatoes cook through evenly.

Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 8: Let it Rest

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to slice and serve. It also prevents you from burning your mouth!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Casserole

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your casserole.
• Don’t Overcook the Ground Beef: Be careful not to overcook the ground beef, as it will become dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink.
• Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the casserole generously with salt and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Use a Mandoline Slicer: If you have a mandoline slicer, use it to slice the potatoes into even rounds. This will help them cook evenly.
• Prevent Browning: Soaking the sliced potatoes in cold water prevents them from browning.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite cooked vegetables to the casserole, such as peas, carrots, corn, or green beans.
• Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy topping, sprinkle crushed potato chips or crispy fried onions over the cheese before baking.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack, for a unique flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce for a little bit of heat.
• Use Different Soup: Cream of Celery or Cream of Chicken can be substituted for Cream of Mushroom soup.

Variations on the Recipe

The beauty of this creamy hamburger potato casserole lies in its versatility. Here are some variations to inspire you:

• Spicy Hamburger Potato Casserole: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans for a vegetarian version. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
• Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole: Add cooked broccoli florets to the casserole along with the ground beef. Use a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole: Add crispy bacon bits to the ground beef mixture and use ranch dressing instead of sour cream in the creamy sauce.
• Chicken Potato Casserole: Substitute shredded cooked chicken for the ground beef.
• Loaded Baked Potato Casserole: Incorporate all the elements of a loaded baked potato: sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, chives, and a dollop of extra sour cream on top after baking.
• Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole: Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a sweeter, more colorful casserole. A touch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cream sauce would complement the sweet potatoes nicely.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy hamburger potato casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to round out your dinner:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a healthy side dish.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic side dish for casseroles.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage:

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

You can reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave.

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Microwave: Place a serving of casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the cheese can become rubbery.

Can You Freeze Creamy Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole! However, the texture of the potatoes and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Here’s how to freeze it:

Freezing Before Baking:

1. Assemble the casserole as directed in the recipe.
2. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then with a layer of aluminum foil.
3. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
4. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight.
5. Bake as directed in the recipe, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Freezing After Baking:

1. Let the casserole cool completely.
2. Cut the casserole into individual portions.
3. Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap, then with a layer of aluminum foil.
4. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
5. When ready to reheat, thaw the portion in the refrigerator overnight.
6. Reheat in the oven or microwave as described above.

Recipe Card

Creamy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 blend)
• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional add-ins: Cooked vegetables, diced bell peppers, crispy fried onions, bacon bits

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Layer potato slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
6. Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the ground beef. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce.
7. Repeat the layers: potatoes, ground beef, creamy sauce, and the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
8. Drizzle melted butter over the top layer of cheese (optional).
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour.
10. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
11. Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving):

Calories: 400-500

Protein: 25-35g

Fat: 25-35g

Carbohydrates: 20-30g

Conclusion

This creamy hamburger potato casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With its simple ingredients and customizable nature, it’s perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a potluck with friends and family. So, give this recipe a try and experience the ultimate comfort food! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!