Of course! This 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 delicious dish.
Here’s a classic, foolproof recipe.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Layer:
· 1 lb ground beef
· 1 medium yellow onion, diced
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
· 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery/chicken)
For the Potato Layer:
· 4-5 large Russet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and very thinly sliced (⅛ inch thick) *
· 1 teaspoon paprika
· ½ teaspoon garlic powder
· Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce & Topping:
· 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
· ½ cup milk or beef broth
· 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Optional Add-Ins:
· 1 cup frozen corn, peas, or green beans
· ½ cup sour cream mixed into the meat layer
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
· Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
· Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. A mandoline slicer works best for even, thin slices, but a sharp knife is fine. Place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
- Cook the Meat 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 any excess grease.
· Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another minute.
· Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup until well combined. Remove from heat. If using, stir in any optional vegetables or sour cream.
- Assemble the Casserole:
· Drain the potato slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.
· Arrange half of the potato slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Overlap them slightly like shingles.
· Sprinkle the potato layer with half of the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
· Spread the entire hamburger meat mixture evenly over the potato layer.
· Arrange the remaining potato slices over the meat layer and season with the remaining spices.
- Add the Cheese Sauce:
· In a medium bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup and milk (or broth) until smooth.
· Pour this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, shaking the dish gently to help it seep down.
· Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake:
· Bake, covered, for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Topping and Brown:
· Remove the foil and sprinkle the top with the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
· Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
· For an extra golden top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch closely!).
- Rest and Serve:
· Let the casserole stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
· Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Pro Tips for Success:
· Thin Potato Slices: This is the key to ensuring the potatoes cook through and become tender. Thick slices will remain crunchy.
· Pre-cook Potatoes (Optional): For a guaranteed tender potato and a faster bake time, you can parboil the sliced potatoes for 5-7 minutes before assembling. Drain well before using.
· Cheese Soup is Key: The cheddar cheese soup creates a incredibly smooth, non-greasy sauce that doesn’t separate. It’s the secret to this casserole’s success.
· Make it Your Own: Feel free to add other hamburger toppings you love! A few diced pickles mixed into the meat layer or a drizzle of special sauce (ketchup/mayo/relish mix) on top after baking are fantastic.
· Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it goes in cold.
· Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a 350°F oven until warmed through.
This is the ultimate hearty, satisfying, and cheesy weeknight dinner. Enjoy