Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole

This Hamburger Potato Bake is the quintessential comfort meal, blending savory ground beef, soft potatoes, and gooey cheese into a deliciously filling dish. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s a straightforward recipe that the entire family will love. Featuring layers of robust ingredients topped with a creamy finish, this bake is both flavorful and customizable, making it a favorite for hearty, cozy dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes with their juice
• 1 cup (240 ml) of sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup (120g) frozen peas (optional)
• 4 cups (about 4 medium) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or casserole dish and set it aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
   • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Season and Add Tomatoes:
   • Stir in the paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute to incorporate the flavors.
   • Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef broth, stirring to combine.
   • Simmer the mixture for approximately 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
   • If using, stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Layer the Casserole:
   • In the prepared baking dish, arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer.
   • Spoon the ground beef mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
   • Arrange the remaining potato slices on top of the beef mixture.
5. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well blended.
   • Spread this cheese mixture evenly over the top layer of potatoes.
6. Bake the Casserole:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
   • After 45 minutes of baking, take off the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and the top has a golden, bubbly crust.
7. Garnish and Serve:

• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired, for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Conclusion:

This Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole is a delicious and filling dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family. With layers of tender potatoes, flavorful beef, and a creamy cheese topping, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether served on a busy weeknight or as a comforting dish on the weekend, this casserole is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal!