If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners, this Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the answer. Combining seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and rich, cheesy layers, this casserole delivers a wholesome, delicious dish that is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The blend of sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and a medley of cheeses gives it a creamy texture, while the herbs and spices add a burst of flavor. It’s a meal that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (1 liter) frozen hash browns (or about 3 cups freshly grated potatoes)
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusted to your preference.
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: 1/2 cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, oregano, thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the frozen hash browns (or freshly grated potatoes) and cheddar cheese, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Spread half of the potato mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Next, layer the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Spread the remaining potato mixture on top, covering the beef layer completely.
- Add the Cheese Topping:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If desired, add the optional grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and a crispy topping.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired, and serve hot!
Conclusion:
This Hearty Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering layers of savory flavors with a cheesy, creamy finish. The combination of ground beef, seasoned potatoes, and a luscious sauce makes it a satisfying one-dish meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal for a special occasion, this casserole delivers the perfect balance of flavor and heartiness.