Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole. Layers of savory ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and a rich, creamy mushroom sauce are baked to bubbly perfection under a golden blanket of melted cheddar cheese. This easy, one-dish wonder is a guaranteed family favorite, perfect for a cozy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 lbs red potatoes, sliced to 1/4-inch thickness
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Brown the Beef and Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and mushrooms until the beef is fully browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Stir the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, parsley, and paprika directly into the skillet with the beef mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
Layer the Casserole
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer. Top with half of the beef and sauce mixture, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and another cup of cheese.
Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the final cup of cheese over the top, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese is golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Uniform Slices:
For evenly cooked potatoes, it’s crucial to slice them to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness. A mandoline slicer makes this task quick and easy.
Best Cheese Melt:
For the creamiest, smoothest melted cheese topping, grate your own cheddar from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can result in a grainy texture.
Let It Rest:
Allowing the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking is essential. This gives the sauce time to set and thicken, making it much easier to slice and serve.
Freezing Instructions:
You can assemble the casserole ahead of time. Cover it tightly before the baking step and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 615 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: hamburger casserole, potato casserole, ground beef recipe, cheesy potato casserole, comfort food, weeknight dinner, family meal, one dish meal, baked casserole