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Hamburger Potato Cheese Casserole

Hamburger Potato Cheese Casserole

Hamburger Potato Cheese Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked dish featuring layers of tender sliced potatoes, savory ground beef sautéed with onions and garlic, and creamy melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, combining simple pantry ingredients into a flavorful, cheesy classic that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 4 cups thinly sliced Yukon gold or russet potatoes (about 1/8 inch thick)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups milk or cream

Optional Herbs and Add-ins

  • 1 tbsp fresh or dried parsley or thyme (optional)
  • Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach (optional for veggie boost)
  • Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños (optional for spicy kick)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice potatoes to about 1/8 inch thickness for even cooking. Finely chop the onions, mince the garlic, and shred the cheddar cheese if it’s not pre-shredded.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Layer the Casserole: Butter a casserole dish. Begin by layering a portion of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Spoon some of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat layering with remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese, finishing with a generous topping of cheese.
  4. Add Cream and Bake: Pour milk or cream evenly over the layered casserole to add moisture and creaminess. Dot the top with pats of butter. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
  5. Let It Rest and Serve: Once golden and bubbly, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set and the flavors meld for a richer taste.

Notes

  • Slice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking and texture.
  • Don’t skip sautéing onions and garlic as it builds flavor depth.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best melt and balanced tang.
  • Cover the casserole while baking to keep it moist, then uncover to brown the top.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving to make slicing easier and flavors richer.

Nutrition

Keywords: hamburger casserole, potato casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, ground beef recipe, dinner casserole, family meal