Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Welcome to a comforting and irresistible recipe that combines classic flavors into one satisfying dish! This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole layers savory ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce for a baked dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or potlucks. Follow along as we walk through the simple steps to bring this crowd-pleaser to your table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
This dish is a cozy, flavorful combination of beefy goodness, velvety potatoes, and melted cheddar. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main meal but can also make a fantastic side. Each bite delivers comfort and nostalgia with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cheesy, meaty casserole:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Thinly sliced potatoes | 4 cups |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any extra grease once done.
Step 2: Sauté Onion & Garlic
In the same pan, add butter and let it melt. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate small saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a roux, cooking it for about a minute while stirring to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens (about 3–4 minutes). Once it’s thick and smooth, remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, place a single layer of sliced potatoes. Lightly season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Top with half of the cooked beef, followed by half the onion-garlic mixture, and drizzle with some of the cheese sauce.
Repeat the layers: potatoes, beef, onion mixture, and more sauce. Finish with a final layer of potatoes, and season again on top.
Step 5: Bake It
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comfort food classic that hits all the right notes—rich, savory, creamy, and cheesy. It’s easy to customize, easy to prep ahead, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to become a repeat favorite!
