Description
This Hamburger Potato Casserole combines layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef with sautéed onions, creamy milk and butter mixture, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection. It’s a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean mix)
- 4 medium potatoes (russet or Yukon gold, peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
Dairy & Liquids
- 1 to 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, freshly shredded)
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
Seasonings
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste, freshly ground)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, break it apart and cook for 7 to 10 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness.
- Sauté Onion and Season Beef: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Season the beef-onion mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, stirring for another minute to meld flavors.
- Prepare Potato Layers: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the potato slices in an even single layer, seasoning with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Spread the beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Add Remaining Potatoes and Milk Mixture: Layer the remaining potato slices over the beef mixture. In a bowl, whisk together the milk and melted butter; pour this evenly over the layered casserole, allowing it to soak between the potatoes. Sprinkle 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly on top, covering the surface completely.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to soften the potatoes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Test tenderness by poking a fork into the potatoes. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results; pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that affect texture.
- Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures even cooking and melding of flavors throughout the casserole.
- Draining excess fat from the cooked beef keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it set for easier slicing.
- You can substitute Yukon gold potatoes for a slightly creamier texture and sweeter flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hamburger potato casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy potato casserole, comfort food, baked potato casserole
