Here's a classic Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe that serves 6-8 people:
**Ingredients:**
For the hamburger mixture:
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/4 cup beef broth
For the potato layer:
* 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup butter, softened
* Salt and pepper to taste
For the cheese sauce:
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* Salt and pepper to taste
For the topping:
* 1 cup crushed potato chips or crumbled crackers
* 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
**Cooking Steps:**
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, frozen peas and carrots, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. While the hamburger mixture is cooking, prepare the potato layer. In a separate pot of boiling, salted water, cook the sliced potatoes for 5-7 minutes, or until they are slightly tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
6. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
7. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens.
8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked hamburger mixture in the bottom of the dish. Arrange half of the cooked potato slices on top of the hamburger mixture.
10. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potato layer, followed by half of the crushed potato chips or crumbled crackers.
11. Repeat the layers, starting with the hamburger mixture, potato slices, cheese sauce, and topping.
12. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and top with the remaining grate cheddar cheese (if using). Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
**Tips and Variations:**
* To make the casserole more flavorful, add diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or chopped mushrooms to the hamburger mixture.
* Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, colby, or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor profile.
* Add some spice with diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
* Replace the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian options like black beans or lentils for a different twist.
* Add some texture with chopped nuts or crumbled bacon to the topping.
* Try using Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of milk to make a creamier cheese sauce.
**Additional Tips:**
* Make sure to cook the potatoes and hamburger mixture until they are fully cooked to avoid foodborne illness.
* Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the casserole reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
* Let the casserole rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
* Consider making individual servings in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for a fun presentation.
Enjoy your delicious Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe!