Introduction

This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese come together to create a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

A white baking dish filled with a layered casserole is shown. The bottom layer is a rich red tomato sauce, topped with a thick layer of browned ground meat, which looks juicy and crumbly. The top layer consists of evenly spaced, golden yellow potato slices with a slight crisp on the edges, some with melted cheese browning on top. The dish is garnished with fresh green herb sprigs scattered across the potatoes. The baking dish is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (lean mix, 85/15)
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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for 7 to 10 minutes until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
Step 2: Return the skillet to medium heat, add the chopped onion, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Season the beef and onion mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, stirring for another minute to combine the flavors.
Step 3: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange half of the potato slices in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Spread the beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes.
Step 4: Layer the remaining potato slices on top. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and melted butter, then pour it evenly over the casserole so it seeps through the layers. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top for full coverage.
Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes to soften the potatoes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Check that the potatoes are tender by piercing with a fork. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor; avoid pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents.
Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chopped fresh herbs like thyme for extra depth.
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different protein option.
For creamier potatoes, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the milk and butter mixture.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help maintain moisture.

How to Serve

This image shows a white ceramic baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer is a rich red sauce, topped by a layer of cooked ground beef that appears brown and crumbly. On top of the beef are several round slices of golden yellow potatoes, arranged closely in neat rows. Each potato slice has a slightly browned melted cheese layer, with some fresh green herb sprigs scattered over the top, giving a fresh look. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

Fresh potatoes work best for this recipe because they hold their texture while baking. Frozen sliced potatoes may release extra moisture and become mushy, so it’s better to stick with fresh potatoes.

Is it necessary to sauté the onions before adding?

Sautéing the onions softens their texture and enhances their sweetness, blending nicely with the beef. While you can add raw onions, they may remain sharp and crunchy after baking.