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:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or casserole dish and set it aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!