Ground Beef and Potato Casserole with Mushrooms

hamburgerpotatotcasserolemushrooms This hamburger and potato casserole is filled with everything you need for a delicious hearty meal. Creamy potatoes with seasoned ground beef covered in a sour cream sauce mixed with cheese makes this the ultimate comfort meal the whole family will love. No can of soup needed.

1 lb ground beef 90% lean
½ cup onion, diced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 tsp. fresh thyme
3 medium russet potatoes, chopped (4 cups)
3 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour, unbleached
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 cup sour cream
2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C/180°C fan, Gas Mark 6). Grease a 9x13" baking dish with butter.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, cooking for about 2 minutes until it starts to brown. Then add the onions, mushrooms and thyme and cook until the beef is cooked through and the mushrooms have browned, about 8 minutes. If there is extra grease, drain it. Place in a large bowl.

In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat. Add flour and cook for a minute. Slowly whisk in chicken broth adding gradually. Next slowly add milk and cook until it is slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and add sour cream, Worcestershire sauce. Salt and pepper to taste.

Add chopped potatoes to the bowl with the ground beef and pour the sauce over it, stirring to combine. Add a cup of the cheese and stir. Add to the prepared casserole dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes, until the potatoes are soft but not mushy.

Remove the foil and cover with remaining cheese. Cook uncovered an additional 3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Cook's Notes:

You can prepare this in advance and store in the fridge for a day.
You can use cheddar cheese instead of Colby Jack or almost any cheese that you like.
Make sure to drain any grease from the hamburger.
Russet potatoes work great for this casserole, but you can use Yukon gold or any variety.