A hearty and comforting casserole with layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy potatoes, and cheese. Perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery, or cheddar)
- 1/2 cup milk (or beef broth)
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional, for potato topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the Beef: Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk (or broth).
- Layer the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Layer the thinly sliced potatoes over the ground beef, overlapping slightly.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the potatoes (if desired).
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set.
Variations:
- Vegetables: Add frozen peas, carrots, or green beans to the ground beef mixture for extra vegetables.
- Spices: Add a dash of paprika, chili powder, or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Topping: Top with bread crumbs or crushed potato chips for a crispy topping.
- Cheese: Use a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
- Potatoes: Sweet potatoes can be used instead of white potatoes.
- Onions: Add in some caramelized onions for a deeper flavor.
- Gravy: Use a prepared beef gravy instead of cream of mushroom soup.
Enjoy your delicious Hamburger Potato Casserole!