Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese come together in a creamy bake that’s simple to prepare and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (lean mix 85/15 preferred)
• 4 medium potatoes (russet or Yukon gold, peeled and thinly sliced)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 1 to 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Garlic powder (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for 7 to 10 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness.
2. Step 2: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, stirring well to combine.
3. Step 3: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer half the potato slices evenly. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Spread the beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes.
4. Step 4: Add the remaining potato slices on top. Whisk together the milk and melted butter, then pour it gently over the casserole so it seeps through the layers. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the potatoes are tender when tested with a fork. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly shredded cheese to ensure it melts smoothly without additives.
• Try mixing cheddar and mozzarella for a blend of sharpness and creaminess.
• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking.
• Substitute sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, nutritious variation.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve texture. Avoid microwaving to keep the potatoes tender and avoid sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it when ready, adding a few extra minutes if going into the oven cold.

What can I use instead of onions?

If you prefer, you can substitute green onions or shallots for a milder flavor, or omit onions altogether for a simpler taste.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 64 reviews

This Hamburger Potato Casserole combines lean ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheese into a warm, comforting baked dish. With layers of seasoned beef and tender potatoes enriched by a creamy milk and butter mixture, this casserole is perfect for a hearty family meal and offers a delicious twist on classic comfort food.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean mix)
• 4 medium potatoes (russet or Yukon gold, peeled and thinly sliced)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)

Dairy

• 1 to 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, freshly shredded)
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)

Seasonings

• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste, freshly ground)
• Garlic powder (to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190 °C). Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness.
2. Sauté Onions and Season: Return the skillet to medium heat, add the finely chopped onion, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the beef and onions, stirring for an additional minute to meld flavors.
3. Prepare Potato Layers: While the beef mixture cooks, peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then lay half the potato slices in a single even layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Spread the beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes.
4. Assemble and Add Dairy: Layer the remaining potato slices over the beef. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and melted butter, then pour this mixture evenly over the casserole to seep between layers. Sprinkle 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly on top ensuring full coverage.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to soften the potatoes.
6. Bake Uncovered and Finish: Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Test the potatoes’ tenderness by poking them with a fork. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures even cooking and helps them meld perfectly with the beef layer.
• Using freshly shredded cheese prevents clumping and ensures better melt and texture.
• Feel free to adjust seasoning to your taste before baking.
• Letting the casserole rest after baking allows it to set, making it easier to slice.
• Optionally, use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture or russet for fluffier potatoes.

Keywords: hamburger casserole, potato casserole, baked casserole, ground beef recipe, comfort food, cheesy potato bake