Homestyle Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Bake (Print Version)
Hearty Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, a comforting one-pan meal with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese. A family favorite!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten (can be adapted)
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Base
01 -
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
02 -
4 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled and thinly sliced)
03 -
1 medium onion, chopped
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 tbsp vegetable oil
→ Flavor Foundation
06 -
1 cup beef broth
07 -
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
08 -
1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
09 -
1 tsp dried thyme
10 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
11 -
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
→ Creamy & Cheesy Layers
12 -
2 cups sharp or medium cheddar cheese, shredded
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's get those potatoes ready for this bake. Peel your potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. I usually use my mandoline for this because it gives such even slices, but a sharp knife works too! Just be careful. I always forget to salt the water I soak them in sometimes, but it really does help prevent them from browning. Pop them into a bowl of cold water while you get the rest of your ingredients together.
02 -
Heat that vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want to brown it nicely, seeing those lovely caramelized bits, you know? Drain off any excess fat – seriously, don't skip this, or your casserole will be greasy. Then, add your chopped onion and cook until it's softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, letting it cook for just another minute until it smells amazing. Oh, that garlic smell, it's the best!
03 -
Now for the creamy goodness! Stir in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and Worcestershire sauce into your browned beef mixture. Give it a good whisk to get rid of any lumps from the soup. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it bubble for about 5 minutes, letting those flavors meld. This is where the sauce really starts to thicken and coat everything beautifully for our family dinner.
04 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Drain your sliced potatoes really well. Spread about half of the potato slices evenly on the bottom of the dish. Pour half of your beef and sauce mixture over the potatoes, making sure it's spread out nicely. Then, sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar cheese over that layer. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and the final cup of cheese. This layering is key for that cheesy goodness!
05 -
Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This initial covered bake allows the potatoes to steam and get wonderfully tender without drying out. I once forgot the foil, and the top potatoes got a bit too crispy, oops! After 30 minutes, remove the foil.
06 -
Uncover the Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese on top is beautifully melted, golden, and bubbly. Oh, the smell at this point is just heavenly! Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving; it helps the casserole set up and makes it easier to scoop out. Dig in!
# Notes:
01 -
Always drain the fat from the ground beef; it makes a huge difference in the final texture and taste of your family meal.
02 -
Don't overcrowd your baking dish; if your potatoes are too thick, they won't cook evenly or get tender enough.
03 -
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking; it helps the layers settle and makes serving so much easier.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 550
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 30g