Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — warm, creamy, and loaded with layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese. It’s a hearty, family-friendly dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. One bite of this cheesy goodness, and it’ll quickly become a household favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until fragrant and softened. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. This mixture will give your casserole a creamy, comforting texture.
4. Layer the Casserole
Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of your prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping.
Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Repeat the layers: another layer of potatoes, the remaining beef, the rest of the sauce, and the final cup of cheese on top.
5. Bake Until Tender and Golden
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden top.
6. Let It Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.
7. Garnish and Enjoy
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Pro Tips:
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
- For extra creaminess, mix in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese with the cheddar.
- Slice the potatoes thinly (about ⅛ inch) to ensure even cooking.
- To save time, you can partially cook the potato slices in boiling water for 5 minutes before layering.
