CHEESY HAMBURGER POTATO CASSEROLE

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Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

The ultimate comfort food casserole! Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, melty cheese, and a creamy sauce—this one-pan wonder is pure family dinner gold. Easy, hearty, and always a hit.

Classic Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Yield: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

· 1.5 lbs (680g) lean ground beef
· 1 medium yellow onion, diced
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
· 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛-inch thick) or 1.5 lbs frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
· 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery
· 1 cup (240ml) beef broth or milk
· ½ cup (120ml) sour cream
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Cheese Topping:

· 2 cups (226g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
· 1 cup (113g) shredded Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese
· Topping (choose one):
· ½ cup crushed butter crackers (Ritz) mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter, OR
· ½ cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter and ¼ cup Parmesan, OR
· 1 cup French fried onions

For Garnish (optional):

· Sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes (use a mandoline for even slices). Place in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you cook the beef.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Sauce & Assemble

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth (or milk), sour cream, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  2. Drain the potato slices well and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  3. Layer 1: Spread half of the potato slices in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  4. Layer 2: Spoon all of the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
  5. Layer 3: Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Layer 4: Top with the remaining potato slices.
  7. Layer 5: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over everything, shaking the dish gently to let it settle.
  8. Layer 6: Cover tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Bake, covered, for 40 minutes.
  2. Remove foil. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork. If not, cover and bake 5-10 minutes more.
  3. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar, the Monterey Jack, and your chosen crunchy topping (crackers, panko, or fried onions) evenly over the top.
  4. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 15-20 more minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 5: Rest & Serve

  1. Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving (it will be lava-hot and sets up better).
  2. Garnish with green onions or parsley. Serve hot!

Pro Tips & Variations

· Avoid Soggy Potatoes: The key is slicing them thinly and evenly (about ⅛-inch). Soaking in water removes excess starch, and patting them dry is crucial.
· Shortcut: Use frozen shredded hash browns (thawed and squeezed dry) instead of slicing potatoes.
· Make it “Taco”: Season beef with 1 packet taco seasoning. Use a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles and top with pepper jack cheese.
· Add Veggies: Mix in a cup of frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots with the beef layer.
· Extra Creamy: Add a 4-oz block of softened cream cheese to the sauce mixture.
· Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead (through step 3, layer 7). Cover and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered bake time when cooking from cold.

Storage: Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or the whole dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

This casserole is the definition of cozy, satisfying, and delicious. It’s a complete meal in one dish that everyone will love!

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