Perfect! Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the definition of comfort food. It’s a hearty, all-in-one dish that’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks.
Here’s a classic, foolproof recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
This recipe layers seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, and tender potatoes under a blanket of melted cheese.
Serves: 6-8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
· 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
· 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken, celery, or onion)
· 1 cup sour cream
· ½ cup milk or beef broth
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· Salt and black pepper, to taste
· 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛-inch thick)
For the Topping:
· 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
· Optional Garnish: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
· Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
· In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess grease.
· Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
· Reduce the heat to low. To the skillet with the beef, add the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Assemble the Casserole:
· Arrange a single, even layer of half the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
· Spoon and spread the entire hamburger and sauce mixture evenly over the potato layer.
· Arrange the remaining potato slices over the beef layer.
- Bake (Covered):
· Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
· Bake for 45 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Bake (Uncovered):
· Carefully remove the foil. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork. If not, re-cover and bake for 10-15 more minutes.
· Once the potatoes are tender, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
· Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to brown slightly around the edges.
- Rest and Serve:
· Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
· Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Pro-Tips for the Best Casserole
· Slice Potatoes Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer (carefully!) or a sharp knife to get uniform, thin slices. This ensures they all cook at the same rate.
· Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the casserole sit after baking is crucial. It stops the bubbling and allows the creamy sauce to thicken up, so you get perfect slices instead of a soupy mess.
· Customize It: This recipe is a fantastic base. Get creative!
· Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots) with the beef mixture.
· Make it Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño with the onion or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture.
· Different Cheeses: Try a Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a pepper jack blend for a different flavor.
· Tater Tot Version: For an even easier twist, you can substitute a bag (32 oz) of frozen Tater Tots for the sliced potatoes. No need to pre-cook; just layer them on top of the beef mixture, sprinkle with cheese, and bake according to Tater Tot package directions (usually around 30-40 minutes uncovered).
This casserole is the epitome of hearty, home-cooked comfort. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—the perfect meal for a busy weeknight. Enjoy