Looking for a comforting, satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and guaranteed to please the whole family? This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect dish to add to your recipe rotation. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and creamy cheese come together to create a hearty and flavorful casserole. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but delicious enough to serve for special occasions. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this dish offers a combination of savory goodness and convenience.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Start layering the casserole. Place a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Follow with half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture, then drizzle with a bit of the creamy mixture. Repeat the layers: potatoes, ground beef mixture, and the remaining creamy sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.