Hamburger Potato Cheese Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Combines protein-rich ground beef with starchy potatoes and creamy cheese for a satisfying meal.
• Family-Friendly: Appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar flavors and comforting textures.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal planning.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 4 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (less than 1/4 inch thick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Cook Ground Beef:

   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and crumbled. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

3. Prepare Potatoes:

   • Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, ensuring they are less than 1/4 inch thick for even cooking.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

   • In the prepared baking dish, arrange a layer of potato slices. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
   • Spread 1/4 of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
   • Sprinkle 1/4 of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
   • Repeat these layers three more times, ending with a layer of cheese on top.

5. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, regular milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until smooth.

6. Add Sauce to Casserole:

   • Pour the soup mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.

7. Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
   • After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbly and lightly golden brown on top.

8. Serve:

   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 8 servings
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Mexican Twist: Add taco seasoning to the ground beef and layer with diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and a Mexican cheese blend. Top with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Italian Style: Season the ground beef with Italian herbs and garlic. Layer with marinara sauce, sliced mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use a vegetable-based condensed soup and vegetable broth in the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: The casserole can be frozen, but note that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through. For larger portions, cover the casserole with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with other types such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites to suit your taste preferences.

2. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the casserole. Sauté them with the ground beef or layer them between the potatoes.

3. How can I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

Slicing the potatoes uniformly to less than 1/4 inch thick helps them cook evenly. Using a mandoline slicer can assist in achieving consistent slices.

4. Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover

Hamburger Potato Cheese Casserole

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Experience the comforting flavors of this Hamburger Potato Cheese Casserole, a hearty dish that layers seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or potlucks, this casserole is easy to make and satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

• Author: Ava
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 4 lbs potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (< ¼ inch thick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

For the Sauce:

• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• ½ cup milk
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven & Prep Dish:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Cook Ground Beef:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and crumbled.
2. Season with salt and pepper, then drain any excess fat. Set aside.

3. Prepare Potatoes:

1. Peel and thinly slice potatoes (less than ¼ inch thick) for even cooking.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

1. Arrange 1 layer of potato slices in the baking dish. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
2. Spread ¼ of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
3. Sprinkle ¼ of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
4. Repeat layers three more times, ending with a cheese layer on top.

5. Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a bowl, whisk together cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, regular milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.

6. Add Sauce & Bake:

1. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the casserole.
2. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
3. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

7. Serve:

1. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.

Notes

• Mexican Twist: Add taco seasoning to the beef and layer with diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and a Mexican cheese blend.
• Italian Style: Use Italian herbs and marinara sauce with mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms and use a vegetable-based condensed soup.