Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole! Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and a creamy, savory sauce come together for a hearty and satisfying family dinner. This dish is perfect for weeknight meals, gatherings with friends, or cozy family dinners. Its rich flavors and cheesy goodness will appeal to both kids and adults alike!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
This casserole is a family favorite for many reasons.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of hearty beef, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese creates a warm and inviting dish that everyone loves.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this meal in no time.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course, it also pairs well with salads or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Great for Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this dish is sure to impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather the essential tools you’ll need to make this delicious casserole.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking the ground beef evenly while allowing excess fat to drain easily.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for layering all the ingredients and ensuring even cooking.
- Whisk: Helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly without clumps.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch pieces
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
For the Sauce
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cheddar soup
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
2. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Cook until browned, breaking up the beef as it cooks.
4. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
In the prepared baking dish:
1. Layer the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add ¼ of the cooked beef mixture on top.
4. Sprinkle ¼ of the grated cheddar cheese over the beef.
5. Repeat this layering process three more times.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together condensed cheddar soup, evaporated milk, milk, and garlic powder until smooth.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over all layers in the baking dish:
1. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 60 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once done:
1. Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. This resting time allows layers to set for easier serving.
Enjoy this warm, cheesy, and comforting casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, there are plenty of ways to enhance your meal.
Pair with Fresh Salads
- Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed with a light vinaigrette.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan cheese, croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy side made from cabbage and carrots, offering a refreshing contrast.
Add Steamed Vegetables
- Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition to your plate.
- Green Beans: Sautéed green beans seasoned with salt and pepper provide a vibrant side.
- Carrots: Roasted or steamed carrots bring sweetness to balance the savory casserole.
Enjoy with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slices spread with garlic butter make for a tasty accompaniment.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy rolls are perfect for soaking up the cheesy goodness of the casserole.
How to Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
To make sure your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and quality ground beef will enhance flavor and texture.
- Slice Potatoes Evenly: Ensure all potato slices are uniform to guarantee even cooking throughout the dish.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; they elevate the overall flavor of the casserole.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking so that it sets properly for serving.
- Mix Up Your Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a unique twist on flavor.
- Add Extra Veggies: Consider adding sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and taste.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
When serving your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, complement it with delicious side dishes that round out the meal perfectly. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes mixed with garlic offer an extra layer of comfort.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts seasoned with balsamic vinegar add depth to your meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a classic choice that pairs well with hearty casseroles.
- Baked Beans: Savory baked beans bring a sweet and smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the casserole.
- Creamy Macaroni Salad: This chilled pasta salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm casserole.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad adds brightness and sweetness, balancing out the richness of the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, it’s important to get it right. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the beef and potatoes can lead to bland flavors. Always use salt and pepper generously for the best taste.
- Not layering properly: Overloading one layer can result in uneven cooking. Ensure each layer of potatoes, beef, and cheese is evenly distributed for consistent results.
- Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold milk or soup can cause the casserole to cook unevenly. Always use ingredients at room temperature for better mixing and consistency.
- Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the casserole immediately can make it fall apart. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking to help it set before serving.
- Overbaking: Leaving the casserole in too long can dry it out. Keep an eye on it during the final baking phase to achieve that perfect golden-brown top.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Instructions
- Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, and melted cheese, all baked together with a creamy sauce.
Can I customize my Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like green beans or corn, or switch up the cheese type for different flavors.
How do I make my Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole healthier?
Consider using lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and adding more vegetables for added nutrients without losing flavor.
How do I know when my casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and has a golden brown top.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole. This hearty dish features layers of seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this casserole delivers rich flavors that will please both kids and adults alike. Easy to prepare and great for leftovers, it’s a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 pounds russet potatoes, sliced
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 can condensed cheddar soup
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- ½ cup milk
- Garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with diced onion; season with salt and pepper.
- Layer sliced potatoes in the baking dish, followed by beef mixture and cheese. Repeat layers.
- Whisk together soups and milk; pour over the casserole.
- Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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