Hamburg Loaf
A hearty layered casserole featuring potatoes, onions, ground beef, and tomatoes, baked to perfection with savory flavors, ideal for family dinners or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put a layer of sliced potatoes in a buttered 3-quart casserole dish.
- Add a layer of sliced onions on top of the potatoes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and sugar as desired.
- Add a layer of ground hamburger on top of the onions.
- Repeat layering potatoes, onions, seasoning, and hamburger until all hamburger is used.
- Finish with a layer of hamburger on top.
- Pour sugar and canned tomatoes over the layered mixture.
- Cover the casserole and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for one hour.
- Remove the cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Yukon Gold potatoes for their buttery texture. If you prefer, substitute the hamburger with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking can enhance richness. You could even mix in some veggies like bell peppers or carrots for a nutritious boost. This dish is adaptable to personal tastes.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Hamburg Loaf pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting experience, serve it alongside crusty bread or mashed potatoes. Consider a side of pickles or coleslaw to add a refreshing contrast. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weekend brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal. Make sure to cover it to retain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburg Loaf contains roughly 623 calories, with 10g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), potassium (48% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh potatoes yield the best texture, you can use frozen hash browns as a convenient alternative. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before layering to avoid excess moisture in your dish.
What can I substitute for canned tomatoes?
If you prefer fresh tomatoes, about 4-5 medium-sized chopped tomatoes can be used instead. Alternatively, tomato sauce or diced tomatoes in juice can also work, adjusting the seasoning accordingly to maintain flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Hamburg Loaf, replace the hamburger with a meat substitute like lentils or a plant-based ground meat. You can also add layers of your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to enhance the dish's heartiness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).