Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks, ensuring it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly.
2. Add the Meat Mixture: Spread the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes.
3. Add the Remaining Potatoes: Layer the remaining sliced potatoes over the beef mixture.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
2. Pour the Sauce: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and beef.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
2. Uncover and Add Cheese: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let it Rest: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top for added freshness and color.

Tips for Success:

• Potato Slicing: Slice the potatoes as evenly as possible so they cook at the same rate. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform slices.
• Meat Alternatives: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.

Enjoy your Hamburger Potato Casserole—a hearty, creamy dish that’s perfect for dinner or a family gathering!