When it comes to hearty, satisfying comfort food, nothing beats a classic Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole. This dish is a delicious marriage of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and layers of melty cheddar cheese, all baked together in a rich, creamy sauce. Whether you’re looking for a meal to feed a crowd or a dish that leaves plenty of leftovers for the week, this casserole ticks all the boxes.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
● 3½ pounds potatoes
● 1 pound ground beef, cooked and crumbled
● 12 ounces evaporated milk
● 14-ounce can cheese soup
● ½ cup whole milk
● 1 yellow onion, diced
● 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
● 1 teaspoon salt
● ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef and Onions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef and diced yellow onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
3️⃣ Prepare the Potatoes:
- While the beef is cooking, peel the potatoes and slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds.
4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole:
- Begin layering the casserole by arranging a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Add about a third of the cooked beef and onion mixture over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle a third of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
- Repeat these layers twice more, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.
5️⃣ Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the evaporated milk, whole milk, and cheese soup. Stir until smooth and well combined. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the layered casserole, ensuring it soaks through the layers.
6️⃣ Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour to allow the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
- After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7️⃣ Serve Hot:
- Once baked, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Slice Potatoes Evenly: To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, try to slice them to a consistent thickness. A mandoline slicer can help with this.
- Drain the Beef: Be sure to drain any excess fat from the beef after cooking to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to mix up the cheese by adding Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for extra flavor.