Old-Fashioned Hamburger Casserole Recipe

This Old-Fashioned Hamburger Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal! Imagine tender ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a medley of vegetables, all layered with a creamy sauce and melted cheese, then baked to golden perfection. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a delicious and comforting casserole that’s perfect for a family weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Cheesy: The combination of ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and creamy sauce creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile that’s topped with melted cheese for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole is always a hit with both kids and adults. It’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any occasion where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing dish.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize the casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to the sauce, or use a different type of cheese for the topping.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Ground beef: The base of the flavorful filling. You can substitute with ground chicken, ground turkey, ground pork, or ground sausage.
• Potatoes: Peeled and thinly sliced or cut into ¾-inch chunks, they add a hearty and satisfying base to the casserole.
• Fresh mushrooms: Sliced and adds an earthy flavor and texture.
• Onion: Sliced and adds a savory base and sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Condensed cream of mushroom, celery, or tomato soup: Adds a creamy base and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
• Broth: Use vegetable, chicken, or beef broth for added flavor.
• Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Season the casserole to perfection.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and brown the ground beef.
• Cooking spray: Used to grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.

Topping

• Shredded cheese: Use your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
• Crispy fried onions: Adds a crispy and savory topping.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the topping.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Old-Fashioned Hamburger Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté Vegetables

While the oven is preheating, peel and slice the potatoes. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, mushrooms, and minced garlic, and sauté until softened. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, broth, heavy cream, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the soup mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the meat mixture and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, soup mixture, meat mixture, and shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Top the casserole with crispy fried onions and additional shredded cheese. Cover the baking dish with lightly greased aluminum foil or a lid, and bake for 90 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. If using foil, make sure to spray the side facing the casserole with cooking spray to prevent the cheese from sticking.

Remove the cover and broil the casserole for a few minutes to brown the cheese, if desired. Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Slice the potatoes evenly: This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly in the casserole.
• Cook the ground beef first: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the casserole allows you to drain off any excess grease.
• Prevent sticking: Spray the foil or lid with cooking spray to prevent the cheese from sticking.
• Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the casserole, such as diced bell peppers, corn, or chopped spinach.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

How to Serve

This Old-Fashioned Hamburger Casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but here are some ideas for serving it:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced and nutritious meal.
• Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for dipping and sopping up the extra sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Old-Fashioned Hamburger Casserole is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can! Ground chicken, ground turkey, ground pork, or ground sausage would all work well in this recipe.

2. Can I use a different type of condensed soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite condensed soup, such as cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cream of chicken.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses would all be delicious in this casserole.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.

This Old-Fashioned Hamburger Casserole Recipe is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and always satisfying. With its tender beef, creamy sauce, and cheesy topping, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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