Description
This easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal combining savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melting plant-based cheese for a comforting one-dish dinner perfect for family meals on busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups Yukon Gold or red potatoes, washed and chopped into bite-sized cubes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- Pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper
- Alternative herbs: rosemary or oregano instead of thyme
- Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for lower carb
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop the potatoes into bite-sized cubes, dice the onion, and mince the garlic to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor infusion throughout the casserole.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, stirring occasionally to crumble it finely while preventing it from drying out.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating a savory flavor base.
- Combine Flavors: Stir in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), tomato paste (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), spices (salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme), and vegetable broth. Let simmer briefly to meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Mix in Potatoes and Cheese: Add the chopped potatoes and half of the shredded plant-based cheese to the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly, allowing the cheese to add creaminess and moisture to the casserole.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining plant-based cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 45 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese topping is golden and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes to set before serving. Garnish as desired with freshly chopped parsley or green onions, plant-based sour cream, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Notes
- Cut potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté onions and garlic well to develop deeper flavors.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set properly.
- Split the plant-based cheese between inside the casserole and on top for extra gooeyness.
- Adjust vegetable broth quantity to keep casserole moist without being watery.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Hamburger Potato Casserole, ground beef casserole, plant-based cheese casserole, easy family dinner, one-dish meal, comfort food
