The Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This casserole is perfect for family dinners and potlucks, offering a filling and delicious meal that everyone will love.

What is Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This casserole is baked to perfection, creating a satisfying meal with layers of flavors and textures. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Other Pioneer Woman Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Comfort Food: It’s the perfect blend of savory beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and ingredients make this dish accessible even for beginner cooks.
Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, it’s a great dish to please the whole family.

Versatile: Can be served as a main course or a side dish, fitting various meal plans.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake when needed, saving you time on busy days.
Nutrient-rich: Packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the potatoes, making it a nutritious option.

Equipment

To prepare Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole, you will need the following equipment:

Large Skillet: For cooking the ground beef, onion, and garlic.
Medium Saucepan: To prepare the creamy sauce.

9×13-inch Baking Dish: For assembling and baking the casserole.
Cutting Board: Slice the potatoes and chop the onions and garlic.
Sharp Knife: This is used to cut potatoes and other ingredients.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
Mixing Bowls: For mixing the ground beef, sauce, and other components.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Stir and combine ingredients.

Whisk: Whisk is used to make the roux and ensure a smooth sauce.
Aluminum Foil: To cover the casserole while baking.
Oven Mitts: To safely handle the hot baking dish.

Cooling Rack: Optional, for letting the casserole cool slightly before serving.

Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the beef broth and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
Add the cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes.
Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
Pour half of the sauce over the beef and potatoes.

Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef mixture, sauce, and cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

Steamed Vegetables: Complement the richness of the casserole with a side of steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
Fresh Salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balance to the meal.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for an extra indulgent touch.

Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole.
Roasted Asparagus: The earthy flavors of roasted asparagus pair beautifully with the creamy dish.
Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on the plate.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

Use Fresh Potatoes: Ensure you use fresh, firm potatoes for the best texture.
Slice Evenly: Cut the potatoes into uniform slices to ensure they cook evenly.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning to enhance the overall flavor.

Drain Beef Well: Ensure the ground beef is well-drained to avoid a greasy casserole.
Create a Thick Sauce: Cook the sauce until it’s thick and creamy for a rich consistency.
Layer Carefully: Assemble the layers carefully to distribute ingredients evenly.

Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the casserole during baking to prevent overcooking.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole

Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy version.

Cheese Swap: Use different cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for a unique flavor.
Ground Turkey: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
Creamy Mushroom: Replace cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup.

Storing Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole: Best Practices

Cool Completely: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
Use Airtight Containers: Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Refrigeration: Keep the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Freeze the casserole in portions for up to 3 months for easy future meals.
Label and Date: Always label and date containers to keep track of storage times.
Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure containers are not overcrowded in the fridge or freezer.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole: Best Practices

Oven Method: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until hot.
Microwave: For quick reheating, use the microwave on medium power for 3-5 minutes per portion.
Individual Portions: Reheat individual portions for faster and more even heating.

Cover While Reheating: Cover with aluminum foil in the oven to prevent drying out.
Add Moisture: Sprinkle a little water or broth over the casserole before reheating to keep it moist.
Check Temperature: Ensure the casserole is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

How can I make Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole healthier?

To make Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole healthier, consider these modifications:

Lean Meat: Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey to reduce fat content.
Less Cheese: Reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat cheese to cut down on calories.

Whole Grain Flour: Use whole grain flour for the roux to add more fiber.
Veggie Boost: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to increase nutrients.
Healthy Fats: Replace butter with olive oil or avocado oil for a healthier fat option.

Low-Sodium Options: Choose low-sodium beef broth and cream of mushroom soup to lower sodium intake.
Portion Control: Serve smaller portions with a side of fresh salad to balance the meal.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 450

Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 3g

Sugars: 4g
Protein: 20g

FAQs

How do you layer Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole?

To layer Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole, start with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of a greased baking dish. Next, spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the prepared sauce over the beef and potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheeses. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef mixture, sauce, and cheeses.

Can I make Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole ahead of time. Prepare the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.

What type of potatoes works best for Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Russet potatoes work best for Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole. They have a starchy texture that holds up well during baking and absorbs the flavors of the sauce and cheese. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good choice if you prefer a creamier texture.

How can I prevent Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole from becoming watery?

To prevent Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole from becoming watery, ensure you drain the cooked ground beef thoroughly to remove excess grease. Also, slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure they cook properly and absorb the sauce. Using a thickened sauce made with a roux (butter and flour mixture) will also help maintain the casserole’s consistency.

Final Thoughts

The Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole is a satisfying, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family. With its layers of savory beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

What is Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole