Quick Hamburger And Potato Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole combining seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and flavorful corn and tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cups instant mashed potato flakes
- 1 1/2 cups low-fat sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped onion or 1 tablespoon dried minced onion ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (12 oz) can corn with sweet peppers, undrained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil ⓘ
Instructions
- In an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, blend potato flakes with sour cream and 1/2 cup water until crumbly.
- If the mixture is not crumbly, add more potato flakes until desired consistency is reached.
- Pat the potato mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
- Brown the ground beef with chopped onion or dried minced onion; drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add to the beef the second 1/2 cup water, tomato sauce, undrained corn with sweet peppers, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the potato layer.
- Sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of shredded cheese to the potato mixture before baking. If you don't have low-fat sour cream, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. To enhance the flavor, try adding some garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Quick Hamburger and Potato Casserole pairs perfectly with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside garlic bread or crusty rolls. It's also great topped with fresh herbs or a dollop of salsa for added flavor. This dish is a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Hamburger And Potato Casserole contains roughly 259 calories, with 7g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (46% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1479mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook it.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before baking or after it's cooked. For best results, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I substitute for the canned corn?
If you don't have canned corn, you can use frozen corn or even diced bell peppers for a different texture and flavor. Both options will work well in this recipe, adding a nice crunch to the casserole.
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).