Description
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, onions, and melted cheddar cheese, all baked to golden perfection in a creamy cheese soup sauce. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole combines simple ingredients for a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound crumbled ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 to 4 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced about 1/4 inch thick
Dairy and Cheese
- 8 ounces (or more) Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 ounces evaporated milk (or whole milk)
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings and Soup Base
- 1 can Cheddar cheese soup mix
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced yellow onion and crumbled ground beef until the meat is fully cooked and browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Prepare Potato Slices: Peel and slice the potatoes into approximately 1/4 inch thick slices for even layering and cooking.
- Layer Casserole – First Layer: Place a single layer of potato slices evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the salt and pepper to season.
- Layer Casserole – Next Layers: Spread about one-third of the cooked meat and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat layering two more times, ending with a layer of shredded cheese on top.
- Mix Cheese Soup Sauce: In a bowl, combine the Cheddar cheese soup mix, evaporated milk, and regular milk. You may add additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until smooth.
- Pour Sauce Over Casserole: Evenly pour the cheese soup mixture over the layered potatoes, meat, and cheese in the baking dish.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. This allows the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes uncovered to let the cheese on top become golden and bubbly.
- Check for Doneness: If your potato slices are thicker, you may need to bake longer until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this classic cheesy, hearty casserole as a fulfilling family meal.
Notes
- Use evaporated milk for a richer sauce, but whole milk also works well.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- For a different twist, add herbs like thyme or parsley to the layers.
- If you prefer a thicker potato cut, increase the baking time to ensure they cook through.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; add a splash of milk if sauce thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy hamburger potato casserole, ground beef casserole, baked potato casserole, comfort food, cheddar cheese casserole
