1. Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Break up the beef with a spatula as it cooks.
- Add the Onions and Garlic:
- Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Drain Excess Fat:
- If necessary, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Set the beef mixture aside.
2. Assemble the Casserole:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them into thin, even rounds. This helps ensure that the potatoes cook evenly in the casserole.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Begin layering the casserole by placing a single layer of potato slices on the bottom of the dish.
- Add the Beef Mixture:
- Spoon half of the ground beef mixture over the layer of potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
- Pour the Sauce:
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef and potatoes, spreading it out to cover the layers. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and sauce.
3. Bake the Casserole:
- Top with Cheese:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Uncovered:
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Serve the Casserole:
- Rest and Garnish:
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to let the flavors meld together. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve:
- Serve the Hamburger Potato Casserole hot, straight from the baking dish. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Potato Slices: Use a mandoline slicer to achieve even, thin potato slices, which will cook more evenly and quickly.
- Customizing: Add layers of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach to increase the veggie content.
- Cheese: For extra cheesy goodness, consider adding an additional layer of cheese between the potato and beef layers.
Conclusion
Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy, cheesy sauce makes this casserole a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is sure to become a household favorite!