A hearty and creamy cheesy hamburger potato casserole is perfect for any occasion. Find out how to make this easy-to-follow recipe with simple ingredients!
A cheesy hamburger potato casserole is a warm, filling, and delicious dish that combines the flavors of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese. This casserole is the ideal comfort food, loved by families and perfect for feeding a crowd. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this classic dish, including preparation and cooking tips, variations, and how to serve it for different occasions. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe will surely become a household favorite!
What Is Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole?
A cheesy hamburger potato casserole is a baked dish that typically consists of layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese. It’s often enriched with various vegetables and creamy ingredients like sour cream or cream of mushroom soup. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for an easy and delicious dinner. It’s filling, comforting, and adaptable, making it a go-to recipe for families. If you’re a fan of hearty, cheesy casseroles, this one is a must-try.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This cheesy hamburger potato casserole is not only delicious but also offers several advantages:
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Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
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Versatile: Customize the ingredients based on what you have available in your kitchen.
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Comforting: It’s a warm and filling dish, ideal for cold evenings or cozy family dinners.
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Budget-Friendly: Most of the ingredients are affordable and can be found at any grocery store.
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Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty, cheesy casserole.
Cooking Time, Preparation Time, and Servings
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Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
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Cooking time: 45-60 minutes
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Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Servings: 6-8 servings
This recipe is perfect for a family dinner, providing enough servings to feed a crowd, or for meal prepping for the week ahead. You can also adjust the recipe to make fewer servings by cutting the ingredients in half.
Ingredients Notes for Your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
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Ground Beef: You can use lean ground beef to reduce fat content, but fattier beef adds extra flavor.
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Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese works best, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Swiss for a different flavor.
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Potatoes: Russet potatoes are typically used for casseroles due to their starchy texture, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work well if you prefer a creamier texture.
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Cream of Mushroom Soup: You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce if desired.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
In this section, we’ll break down how to make a cheesy hamburger potato casserole step-by-step, ensuring each phase of the process is simple to follow and yields perfect results.
Ingredients
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2 lbs ground beef
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6 medium-sized potatoes (peeled and sliced thinly)
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1 medium onion (diced)
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup sour cream
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
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Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and add the diced onion. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Assemble the Casserole: In the greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes. Top with half of the cooked ground beef mixture. Spread a thin layer of cream of mushroom soup on top, followed by a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a generous layer of cheese.
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Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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Let It Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Variations and Substitutions for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
While the classic recipe is fantastic on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize this cheesy hamburger potato casserole to suit your tastes.
Substitutions for Ingredients
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Ground Beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or lamb as alternatives to ground beef. These proteins will provide a slightly different flavor while maintaining the dish’s heartiness.
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Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a different cream soup, such as cream of chicken or even a white sauce made from scratch.
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Cheese: Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier texture.
Regional or Cultural Variations
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Mexican Style: Add a pinch of chili powder, cumin, or taco seasoning to the beef mixture for a flavorful twist. Top with some jalapeños and sour cream for an extra kick.
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Italian Twist: Add some Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar to make it an Italian-style casserole.
Creative Twists for Adventurous Cooks
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Vegetable Add-ins: You can sneak in some vegetables, like carrots, corn, or peas, to make it even more nutritious.
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Bacon: For an extra layer of flavor, add cooked bacon bits on top of the casserole before baking.
Pairings and Accompaniments
This cheesy hamburger potato casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:
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Green Salad: A light and refreshing green salad helps balance the richness of the casserole.
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Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is a perfect complement to this cheesy, hearty dish.
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Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans would add a nutritious, colorful side to your meal.
Comparison with Similar Recipes
While the cheesy hamburger potato casserole is a classic, it shares similarities with other comfort dishes such as scalloped potatoes and shepherd’s pie. However, this casserole stands out because of the hearty ground beef that makes it a complete meal, unlike shepherd’s pie which often uses lamb or pork. The potatoes also absorb the flavors of the beef and cheese in a way that scalloped potatoes do not.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long is potato casserole good for?
Potato casserole can last for up to 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
How many calories in a hamburger potato casserole?
A serving of cheesy hamburger potato casserole typically contains around 400-500 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.
What is the history of cheesy potato casserole?
Cheesy potato casseroles have been a staple in American kitchens since the mid-20th century, becoming particularly popular as comfort food during colder months.
What potatoes are best in casserole?
Russet potatoes are commonly used due to their starchy texture, which makes them ideal for casseroles. They absorb flavors well and provide a hearty bite.
Best Time to Enjoy the Recipe
This cheesy hamburger potato casserole is perfect for any meal. It’s especially great for dinner, as it’s hearty enough to serve as a complete meal. You can also prepare it ahead of time for special occasions, family gatherings, or even potlucks.
Presentation Tips
To present the casserole attractively, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. You can also serve it in individual portions, topped with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese.
Conclusion
This cheesy hamburger potato casserole is an easy-to-make, comforting dish that’s sure to please your family and friends. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or add your creative twists, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. With its cheesy, savory layers, it’s the perfect addition to your dinner rotation.
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