Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to soften the potatoes.
- 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