Of course! This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and incredibly easy to make. Think of it as a deconstructed cheeseburger meets scalloped potatoes, all baked into one glorious dish.
Here’s a tried-and-true recipe that will become a weeknight favorite.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
This recipe is layered for maximum flavor and uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
· 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal for flavor)
· 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tsp paprika
· 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· 4-5 medium Russet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced (⅛-inch thick)
· 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery/chicken)
· ½ cup beef broth or milk
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
· 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
For the Topping (Optional but Recommended):
· ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
· 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened. About 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for one more minute until fragrant. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
- To the skillet with the beef, add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth (or milk), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the Potatoes: Spread half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the Beef Layer: Spoon half of the beef and sauce mixture over the potatoes and spread it evenly.
- First Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
- Repeat: Repeat the layers: remaining potatoes, remaining beef mixture.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Topping and Finish Baking
- Check Tenderness: After 45 minutes, the potatoes should be fork-tender. If not, re-cover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
- Final Toppings: Once the potatoes are tender, remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Add Breadcrumbs (Optional): If using, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle it over the cheese. This adds a wonderful crunchy texture.
- Brown and Bubble: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Tips for a Perfect Casserole
· Slice Potatoes Evenly: For even cooking, try to slice your potatoes to a uniform thickness. A mandoline slicer is perfect for this, but a sharp knife works too.
· Shortcut: For a quicker prep, you can use a 20-24 oz bag of frozen shredded hash browns (thawed) instead of fresh potatoes. The texture will be different but it’s still delicious.
· Customize It:
· Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots) with the beef mixture.
· Make it Cheesier: Add a layer of sliced American cheese or cream cheese under the cheddar for an extra gooey, rich flavor.
· Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
· Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
This casserole is a complete, satisfying meal in one dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with the classic flavors of a hamburger. Enjoy