Hamburger and potato casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal. This casserole combines ground beef, potatoes, and a mix of vegetables and seasonings, baked to perfection in a creamy or cheesy sauce. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients and Equipment
Essential Ingredients:
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Ground beef |
1 pound |
| Potatoes |
4-5 medium |
| Onion |
1 large |
| Garlic |
2-3 cloves |
| Cheddar cheese |
2 cups shredded |
| Milk or cream |
1 cup |
| Butter |
2 tablespoons |
| Salt |
To taste |
| Pepper |
To taste |
Optional Ingredients:
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Bell peppers |
1-2 |
| Carrots |
2 medium |
| Celery |
2 stalks |
| Mushrooms |
1 cup sliced |
| Worcestershire sauce |
1 tablespoon |
| Chicken or beef broth |
1/2 cup |
| Herbs (thyme, rosemary) |
1 teaspoon each |
Necessary Equipment:
| Equipment |
Purpose |
| Large skillet |
Browning the meat and vegetables |
| Baking dish |
Assembling and baking the casserole |
| Knife and cutting board |
Preparing ingredients |
| Measuring cups and spoons |
Measuring ingredients |
| Cheese grater |
Shredding cheese |
| Mixing bowl |
Combining ingredients |
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if you prefer.
- Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly.
- Parboil the Potatoes
- In a pot, boil the sliced potatoes for about 5-7 minutes until just tender.
- Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- If using optional vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, celery, mushrooms), chop them into small pieces.
- Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet with the browned beef, add the diced onion and minced garlic.
- Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
- If using optional vegetables, add them now and cook until tender.
- Combine Ingredients in a Mixing Bowl
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned beef and cooked vegetables.
- If using, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce and 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth.
- Mix well.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Start with a layer of parboiled potatoes at the bottom of the dish.
- Add a layer of the beef and vegetable mixture.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of potatoes.
- Add Milk or Cream
- Pour 1 cup of milk or cream over the layered ingredients evenly.
- Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer.
- Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are fully cooked.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil.
- Check for Doneness
- Insert a fork into the center to check if the potatoes are tender and easy to pierce.
- Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven.
- Let it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
