Hamburger Potato Casserole
A comforting dish that combines ground beef and potatoes in a creamy, cheesy casserole.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13-inch Baking Dish
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 pounds Ground Beef Choose a good quality ground beef for the best flavor.
Vegetables
- 4 large Potatoes Russet potatoes work best, peeled and sliced thinly.
- 1 medium Onion Diced finely.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
Canned Goods
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup 10.5 ounces, essential for creamy texture.
- 1 cup Sour Cream Adds creaminess and a slight tang.
Cheese
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Use sharp cheddar for robust flavor.
Spices
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Contributes warm, earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika Adds smokiness and color.
Condiments
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Other
- 1 tablespoon Cooking Oil For browning the beef and onions.
- optional Chopped Fresh Parsley For garnish.
- optional Additional Cheese For a cheesier top layer.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent. Add ground beef, cook until browned, and drain excess grease.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the beef mixture with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, then half of the beef mixture. Repeat with remaining potatoes and beef mixture, finishing with a layer of potatoes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer of potatoes.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and potatoes are tender.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition. You can also use different proteins or cheese variations to customize the dish.