Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Ground beef: Provides the savory, meaty base for the casserole.

Potatoes: Sliced thinly, they add a hearty and filling layer.

Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic flavor when cooked with the beef.

Cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, rich layer that binds the ingredients together.

Cheddar cheese: Melts on top to create a deliciously gooey and flavorful finish.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

When slicing the potatoes, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. A mandoline slicer can be particularly useful for achieving consistent slices. Additionally, consider soaking the potato slices in cold water for about 30 minutes before layering them in the baking dish. This helps to remove excess starch, which can prevent the casserole from becoming too gummy. Make sure to pat the potatoes dry before assembling the dish.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils are a great plant-based protein that can mimic the texture of ground beef when cooked.

• sliced potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a different flavor and are packed with vitamins and fiber.

• sliced potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower can be sliced and used as a low-carb alternative to potatoes.

• chopped onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the dish well.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a more delicate and sweet flavor compared to regular onions.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup can provide a similar creamy texture with a different flavor profile.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with homemade mushroom sauce: A homemade mushroom sauce can offer a fresher and more robust mushroom flavor.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and provides a milder flavor compared to cheddar.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with gruyere cheese: Gruyere adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that can elevate the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while also providing saltiness.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and spice to the dish.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely after baking. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the casserole to an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also leave it in the baking dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within 3-4 days. This ensures the potatoes and ground beef stay fresh.
• For longer storage, freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, use a freezer-safe airtight container.
• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of its freshness. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the potatoes and ground beef.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap and cover the casserole with aluminum foil.
• Bake the casserole for about 30-40 minutes or until heated through. If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
• For a quicker option, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until hot. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover hamburger potato casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the cheddar cheese on top get bubbly and slightly crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in additional 30-second increments if necessary.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover casserole and cover with a lid.
  4. Stir occasionally and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method can give the potatoes a nice crispy edge.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole in an air fryer-safe dish or use aluminum foil to create a makeshift dish.
  3. Heat for 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook. This method can give the cheese a delightful crispiness.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef and cooking the onions over medium heat.

• Baking dish: Where you will layer the potatoes and ground beef mixture, and bake the casserole.

• Foil: Used to cover the baking dish to ensure even cooking and prevent the top from burning.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the potatoes and chopping the onions.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing potatoes and chopping onions.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring and breaking up the ground beef while it cooks in the skillet.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the shredded cheddar cheese and other ingredients accurately.

• Can opener: Needed to open the can of cream of mushroom soup.

• Mixing bowl: Optional, but can be used to mix the ground beef and onion mixture before layering.

• Oven mitts: Essential for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Pre-slice potatoes: Use a mandoline slicer to quickly and evenly slice the potatoes.

Pre-cook ground beef: Cook the ground beef and onion mixture in advance and store it in the fridge.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Microwave potatoes: Partially cook the potato slices in the microwave for a few minutes to reduce baking time.

One-pan method: Cook the ground beef and onions in an oven-safe skillet, then layer the potatoes and soup directly in the same pan.