Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

🥘 Mediterranean Hamburger Potato Casserole

Servings: 4–6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

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🧂 Ingredients

For the casserole:

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (or ground lamb for a richer flavor)

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon gold or red potatoes work best)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced (optional, for added Mediterranean flavor)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained)

• ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the creamy topping:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (or ½ cup yogurt + ½ cup ricotta for richness)

• 2 eggs, beaten

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)

• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

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🔪 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with olive oil.

2. Cook the beef:

   • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.

   • Sauté onion until translucent (about 3–4 minutes).

   • Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

   • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

   • Stir in oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.

   • Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

   • Stir in the sliced olives. Remove from heat.

3. Layer the casserole:

   • Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the baking dish.

   • Spoon half the beef mixture over the potatoes.

   • Add another layer of potatoes, then the rest of the beef mixture.

   • Finish with a final layer of potatoes.

4. Make the creamy topping:

   • In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, eggs, and feta cheese (plus Parmesan if using).

   • Spread this mixture evenly over the top layer of potatoes.

5. Bake:

   • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

   • Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.

6. Garnish and serve:

   • Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil before serving.

   • Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

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🍷 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple Greek salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, feta, olive oil, lemon juice).

• Add a side of tzatziki or hummus for dipping.