Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole: A Family Favorite Recipe

Are you looking for a comforting meal that’s both hearty and easy to make? This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a perfect choice, combining juicy ground beef with tender potatoes in a creamy, cheesy blend. It’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings and become a family favorite.

Picture this: layers of savory ground beef and soft, seasoned potatoes topped with gooey cheese, all baked to perfection. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready in no time.

Let’s dive into this recipe and see how easy it is to create a comforting casserole that everyone will love. Ready to get cooking?

Ingredients

For this Hamburger Potato Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 pounds potatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 small bell pepper, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low sodium beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the béchamel sauce)
• 2 cups milk (room temperature)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried chives
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Optional: 1-2 teaspoons Kitchen Bouquet for color

Preparing the Potatoes

1. Slice the Potatoes
   Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. To make slicing easier, leave one side of the potato flat to keep it stable on your cutting board.
2. Cook the Potatoes
   Place the potato slices into a pot of cold water. Add a pinch of chicken bouillon powder or salt for extra flavor. Bring the water to a boil, then let the potatoes cook for about a minute. Drain the potatoes and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step helps prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy.

Cooking the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Beef
   In a cold pan, add the ground beef and turn the heat to medium. Season with a pinch of salt and cracked black pepper. Break up the beef as it cooks, ensuring it’s browned evenly.
2. Add Vegetables and Seasonings
   Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft. Stir in minced garlic, dried chives, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, and smoked paprika. Continue cooking until the spices are well incorporated.
3. Make the Beef Mixture
   Create a space in the center of the pan, and add 1/4 cup of butter. Allow it to melt, then sprinkle in 5 tablespoons of flour. Mix thoroughly with the beef, cooking for about a minute. Gradually pour in 2 cups of low sodium beef broth, stirring constantly. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If using Kitchen Bouquet, add a small amount for additional flavor and color.

Preparing the Béchamel Sauce

1. Make the Roux
   In a small pot, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. Add 5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to remove lumps. Cook for about a minute.
2. Add Milk
   Slowly add 2 cups of room-temperature milk, a little at a time, to the roux. Stir continuously to ensure a smooth sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it thicken, stirring frequently. Add a pinch of salt and a small amount of freshly grated nutmeg if desired. Once thickened, remove from heat.

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Assembling the Casserole

1. Prepare the Baking Dish
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Layer the Ingredients
   Place a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the dish. Season with a pinch of seasoned salt, smoked paprika, and cracked black pepper. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Add the Beef Mixture
   Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potato layer.
4. Top with Béchamel Sauce
   Pour the béchamel sauce over the beef mixture, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Baking the Potato Casserole

1. Bake
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The casserole is done when the top is bubbling and golden brown.
2. Cool and Serve
   Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into portions.

Conclusion of Potato Casserole

This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a fantastic choice for a family meal or a cozy dinner with friends. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. The steps are straightforward, and the result is a comforting dish that brings satisfaction with every bite. Enjoy this delightful casserole as a perfect blend of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a luscious béchamel sauce.

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