Hamburger Loaded Potato Casserole: A Hearty Comfort Food

Hamburger Loaded Potato Casserole is a hearty, savory dish that combines the best of two comfort food favorites: loaded baked potatoes and a cheesy hamburger casserole. This recipe brings together seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a gooey, melty cheese topping that is guaranteed to satisfy any hunger. Whether you are serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply craving a filling meal, this casserole is both easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.

With its rich flavors and customizable ingredients, Hamburger Loaded Potato Casserole is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. The creamy layers of potatoes paired with the savory hamburger filling are not only satisfying but also highly adaptable to suit different tastes. If you love cheesy, savory dishes, this is a must-try! For another comforting casserole idea, check out Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole or Tater Tot Casserole.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Hamburger Loaded Potato Casserole Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Hamburger Loaded Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish made with creamy mashed potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and loaded with all the fixings you love in a loaded baked potato. The casserole is baked until golden and bubbling, topped with cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for gatherings.

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Ingredients

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For the Casserole:

• 3 cups mashed potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk (or more for desired consistency)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added richness)
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Topping (optional but recommended):

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup sour cream (for serving)

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Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes:

• Peel and cube the potatoes, then boil them in salted water for 10-12 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
• Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them with butter, milk, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Cook the Ground Beef:

• While the potatoes are boiling, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and chopped onions.
• Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, if necessary.
• Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Casserole:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the cooked ground beef mixture. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and butter until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
• Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

Top the Casserole:

• Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
• Add the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

Serve:

• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Top with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream (optional) before serving.

Notes

• You can make this casserole ahead of time by preparing it up until the baking step, then covering and refrigerating it. When ready to serve, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.
• For a lighter version, use mashed cauliflower in place of mashed potatoes, and opt for lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Feel free to add your favorite toppings, like shredded mozzarella cheese, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes, to customize the casserole to your taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Main Dish / Comfort Food
• Method: Baking / Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of the casserole)
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Hamburger Loaded Potato Casserole Recipe

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray. Set it aside.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
   • In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the diced potatoes. Boil the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
   • Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cream cheese and stir until it softens. Add the sour cream, milk, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
   • In the prepared baking dish, layer the boiled potatoes on the bottom. Top the potatoes with the cooked ground beef mixture, spreading it evenly. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the beef and potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
6. Bake the Casserole:
   • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once out of the oven, garnish the casserole with chopped green onions and crispy bacon crumbles (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Advanced Techniques

1. Use Different Types of Potatoes

While russet potatoes are ideal for casseroles due to their starchy nature, you can experiment with other potato varieties such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes have a creamy texture and mild flavor, while red potatoes hold their shape better when baked. You can even mix different varieties for added texture.

2. Add Vegetables

For added nutrition and flavor, you can incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the casserole. Sauté the veggies with the ground beef for a complete, hearty meal. Zucchini or peas can also be great additions for extra color and freshness.

3. Spice It Up

If you prefer your casserole with a bit of heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the beef mixture. You can also use a spicy cheese, like pepper jack, for the topping, to infuse some extra kick into the dish.

4. Switch Up the Meat

While ground beef is the classic choice for this recipe, you can substitute it with other meats like ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter version. You could even try using sausage for a more flavorful, savory alternative.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Hamburger Loaded Potato Casserole makes for great leftovers and can be stored and reheated easily. Here are some storage tips:

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it for storage.
• Freezing: If you want to make this casserole ahead of time or store extra portions, it freezes well. Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: To reheat individual servings, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Add a little milk or cream if the casserole has dried out.
• Oven: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is melted. If the top has browned too much, cover it with foil while reheating.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Gluten-Free

This casserole can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring that your sour cream, cream cheese, and any seasonings you use are free from gluten. You can also add a gluten-free breadcrumb topping if you prefer some crunch on top of your casserole.

2. Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version of this recipe, swap the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese for dairy-free alternatives. There are plenty of dairy-free cream cheeses and sour creams available, and many plant-based cheeses melt well, making them a suitable option for this dish.

3. Low-Carb or Keto

To make this casserole low-carb or keto-friendly, you can substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets. Cauliflower has a similar texture when cooked and can be mashed or layered in the same way as potatoes. You can also use almond milk and dairy-free cream cheese to keep it in line with keto requirements.

4. Vegetarian Version

To make this casserole vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat, such as crumbled tempeh, lentils, or a vegan meat substitute. This will maintain the savory filling texture without the need for meat.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole the day before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes, and then bake as directed.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole is a meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli for extra freshness. A slice of crusty bread also complements the rich flavors of the casserole.

Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, frozen diced potatoes can work well in this casserole. Just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture. You may need to bake the casserole a little longer if using frozen potatoes to ensure they cook through.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To give the casserole a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture, or sprinkle in some chili powder or cayenne pepper. You could also use a spicy cheese or top it with hot sauce before serving.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Hamburger Loaded Potato Casserole is a rich and satisfying dish that combines all the comforts of a classic potato bake with the hearty flavors of ground beef and melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights or gatherings. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs.

Feel free to get creative with the ingredients, swapping in your favorite seasonings, vegetables, or even different types of cheese. This casserole is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your household, whether you’re feeding a family or sharing a meal with friends.