Satisfy Your Cravings with Hamburger Potato Casserole
Comfort food at its finest, the Hamburger Potato Casserole is a timeless classic that never fails to please. This hearty dish combines layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, savory onions, and creamy cheese, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this delicious and satisfying meal, along with some variations and keto-friendly alternatives to suit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and thinly slice the russet potatoes. Chop the onion and shred the cheddar cheese if not already shredded.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet, breaking up the meat with a spatula.
- Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, then drain any excess grease.
- Prepare the Casserole Layers:
- In a small bowl, mix together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom.
- Spread half of the browned ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, and cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Pour the prepared soup mixture evenly over the casserole layers.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for garnish.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into portions and serve hot.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetable Additions: Enhance the nutritional value of the casserole by adding layers of thinly sliced vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers between the potato and beef layers.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese can be delicious alternatives to cheddar.
- Cream Soup Substitutions: Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even tomato soup for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Infusions: Add depth of flavor to the casserole by incorporating dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning into the beef mixture.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For Keto Version:
- Potato Substitutes: Replace the russet potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnip slices to reduce the carb content while still maintaining the hearty texture of the casserole.
- Condensed Soup Alternative: Use a homemade keto-friendly cream sauce made with heavy cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth instead of condensed soup to avoid added sugars and starches.
- Milk Replacement: Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for a lower-carb option that still provides creaminess to the casserole.
For Low-Carb Version:
- Portion Control: Reduce the amount of potatoes used in the casserole and increase the ratio of ground beef and vegetables to lower the overall carb content per serving.
- Low-Carb Binder: Thicken the soup mixture with a low-carb thickening agent such as xanthan gum or arrowroot powder instead of flour to maintain the creamy texture without adding extra carbs.
- Cheese Moderation: While cheese is a staple ingredient in this dish, opt for moderate amounts or choose low-fat cheese varieties to minimize the carb and calorie content.
In conclusion, the Hamburger Potato Casserole is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be customized to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal for a cozy night in or looking for a crowd-pleasing option to serve at gatherings, this casserole fits the bill. With its layers of flavorful beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of this classic comfort food!
