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Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

4.5 from 60 reviews

This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It features lean ground beef cooked with sautéed onions, layered with thinly sliced potatoes, and enveloped in a creamy mixture of milk and butter. Topped with gooey melted cheese and baked to golden perfection, this casserole blends savory flavors and tender textures into a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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 and Liquids

  • 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 the Beef: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart and cook for 7 to 10 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  2. Sauté Onions and Season Beef: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Season the beef and onion mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, stirring for another minute to meld the flavors.
  3. Prepare Potato Layers: While cooking the beef mixture, peel and thinly slice the potatoes. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, lay half of the potato slices in a single, even layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Evenly spread the beef and onion mixture over the potatoes.
  4. Add Remaining Layers and Liquids: Top the meat layer with the remaining potato slices. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and melted butter, then pour it carefully over the top so it seeps down between layers. Sprinkle 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly to ensure complete coverage.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to soften. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Check the potatoes for tenderness by poking them with a fork.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set and make serving easier.

Notes

  • Using thinly sliced potatoes ensures even cooking and blends well with the meat layers.
  • Freshly shredded cheese melts better and avoids any additives that could affect texture.
  • Drain the ground beef well to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
  • You can adjust seasoning to taste before baking, but be cautious as cheese adds saltiness.
  • Letting the casserole rest after baking makes it easier to slice and improves texture.

Keywords: hamburger casserole, potato casserole, ground beef casserole, baked casserole, cheesy potato casserole, easy dinner recipes