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Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

When you think about quick, comforting meals, Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole often comes to mind as a go-to option. It combines layers of savory ground beef and tender potatoes, all enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with melted cheese. This dish not only satisfies a crowd but also simplifies your cooking routine with minimal prep time. You might be curious about how this classic recipe has evolved over the years and what makes it so universally loved. Let’s explore its history and uncover some variations that could elevate your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a comforting meal that won’t strain your budget, this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a perfect choice.

It’s affordable, using common ingredients that are easy to find. You can whip it up in just about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. This hearty dish serves 8 to 12 people, ensuring there’s plenty to go around for the whole family.

With a cooking time under 30 minutes, even beginners can manage it with ease. Each serving is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, ensuring you’re getting a nutritious meal.

Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize it with different veggies or seasonings to suit your taste. This dish satisfies both adults and kids alike, making it a great option for families.

Enjoy it with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad for a complete dinner.

History

Though often seen as a simple comfort food, the history of Hamburger Potato Casserole is rich and layered, reflecting a blend of culinary traditions. This dish has early origins in traditional hash recipes, combining chopped meat, potatoes, and onions. As it evolved, the casserole format emerged, adding creamy sauces and cheese for a heartier meal. The influence of American cuisine, shaped by French and other international styles, played a significant role in its development. Gaining popularity in the mid-20th century, Hamburger Potato Casserole became a staple for busy families due to its ease of preparation and affordability. Its hearty, comforting meal nature has made it an enduring favorite in many households. Over time, various versions have surfaced, showcasing different potatoes, cheeses, and cooking methods, highlighting its adaptability in modern kitchens.

Recipe

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting dish that combines the heartiness of ground beef with tender potatoes and a creamy sauce, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This casserole isn’t only delicious but also quite simple to put together, requiring minimal prep time and common ingredients that you might already have on hand. The gluten-free options available for this dish make it accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

The layers of flavor and texture create a satisfying meal that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. To make this dish even more appealing, the recipe allows for flexibility regarding seasoning and additional ingredients. Feel free to adapt the spices used in the ground beef or add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.

The creamy sauce, enriched with Greek yogurt, adds a delightful tang while keeping it gluten-free. Follow the steps below to create your own delicious Hamburger Potato Casserole.

Ingredients:
– 2 lbs. ground beef (93% lean, 7% fat)
– 1 1/4 cups onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 4 medium Russet potatoes, sliced into 1/4″ rounds (skin on)
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Slice the Russet potatoes into rounds, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat from the skillet, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika into the beef mixture. Remove from heat and set aside.
In another saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the gluten-free all-purpose flour to form a smooth paste (roux) and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth until the sauce thickens. Stir in the Greek yogurt and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
In the greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes, then pour half of the cream sauce over the beef. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, and cream sauce.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Extra Tips:
For best results, make sure that you slice the potatoes evenly so they cook uniformly. If you want to add more flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary into the ground beef mixture.

You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated in the oven, making this casserole not only delicious but also a great meal prep option. Enjoy your cooking!

Final Thoughts

As you savor each bite of the Hamburger Potato Casserole, you’ll likely appreciate its blend of flavors and textures that make it a quintessential comfort food.

This dish isn’t only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can adapt it to fit any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy family dinner. Additionally, it’s designed to fill a 9×13-inch dish, making it perfect for families or leftovers.

With basic ingredients like beef, potatoes, and cheese, it offers great value for your money. Plus, you can enhance its nutritional content by adding vegetables or serving it with a salad.

The casserole’s nostalgic qualities remind you of home-cooked meals and family gatherings, making it a dish that warms both the heart and the stomach.

Enjoy this classic again and again!

FAQ

If you have questions about making the Hamburger Potato Casserole, you’re in the right place. Preparation takes about 10-15 minutes, and cooking requires 45-55 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or 350°F. You’ll need main ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and cream sauce, using Russet or red potatoes. Layer the potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese, covering it with aluminum foil while baking.

After 45-55 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an extra 10-15 minutes. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Additionally, you can enhance the flavor by incorporating different cheese types such as Parmesan or mozzarella. For variations, try ground turkey or different cheeses. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, but freezing isn’t recommended due to the creamy sauce.

This dish serves 8-10 people.