Of course! Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the definition 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 classic, foolproof recipe that will become a weeknight favorite.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
This recipe layers flavorful ground beef, creamy soup, and tender potatoes under a blanket of melted cheese.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
· 1 lb ground beef
· 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
· 1 cup beef broth or milk
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
· 1 teaspoon paprika
· ½ teaspoon 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)
· 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
· Optional Add-ins:
· 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots)
· ½ cup sour cream mixed with the soup for extra creaminess
· 4 slices cooked, crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
· Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. If you’re using frozen vegetables, add them now. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. - Assemble the Casserole:
· Layer 1 (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.
· Layer 2 (Beef): Spoon half of the beef and sauce mixture over the potato layer.
· Layer 3 (Cheese): Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
· Repeat: Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, the remaining beef mixture, and finally, the remaining 1 cup of cheese. - Bake:
· Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
· Bake for 45 minutes.
· Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, the casserole is bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is golden brown. - Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
· Slice Potatoes Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer (carefully!) or a sharp knife to get uniformly thin slices. This ensures they all cook at the same rate.
· Don’t Skip the Worcestershire Sauce: It adds that essential “hamburger” umami depth.
· Test for Doneness: The potatoes are the key. If they aren’t tender after the initial bake, re-cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes before removing the foil for the final browning.
· Make it Your Own:
· Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño with the onions or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
· Different Cheeses: Use a Colby-Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Gouda for a different flavor profile.
· “Cheeseburger” Style: When serving, offer classic burger toppings on the side like diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or a drizzle of thousand island dressing.
· Shortcut: For a quicker version, you can use a 20-oz bag of frozen shredded hash browns (thawed) instead of slicing fresh potatoes. The texture will be different but it’s a great time-saver.
This is the kind of meal that everyone will ask for seconds of. Enjoy