Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole – Prepare yourself for the ultimate comfort food experience: the Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole. This irresistible recipe combines layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, and a generous amount of melted Cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a dish to share at gatherings or to create family dinners, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the answer you’ve been seeking.
Every now and then, there’s a recipe that instantly captures the hearts of your loved ones. For me, that moment arrived when I first prepared this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole. I can still vividly recall the tantalizing aroma filling my kitchen as I artfully layered slices of potatoes alongside beef and velvety Cheddar cheese. The anticipation was almost tangible as it baked in the oven. When I finally pulled out that golden dish, both my husband’s and child’s eyes lit up with excitement. Since then, it has become a family tradition that unites us with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Potato Casserole
What distinguishes this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is its balance of flavors and textures. The crumbled ground beef layers bring forth a richness that harmonizes splendidly with the cheesy goodness in each slice of potato. The delightful blend of Cheddar cheese soup mix and evaporated milk produces a sauce that adds a touch of comfort to every mouthful. Additionally, thanks to its straightforward yet satisfying ingredients, it effortlessly brings together the flavors of German cuisine, making it a versatile dish sure to please any crowd.
Ingredient Notes
- Crumbled Ground Beef: For a lean option, you can choose ground beef, or go for a slightly fattier cut if you’re looking for a more indulgent result. It’s important to brown the meat so the delicious flavor is evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
- Yellow Onion: When it comes to onions, diced ones add a savory undertone to the casserole. You can try using red onions if you prefer a milder flavor or white onions for a kick.
- Potatoes: The type of potato you use can affect the texture of the casserole. If you want a fluffy interior, go for Russet potatoes, while Yukon Golds offer a creamier consistency. Make sure to slice them uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Cheddar Cheese: For an added burst of flavor, opt for high-quality Cheddar cheese with a strong profile. Sharp Cheddar brings robustness, while mild Cheddar provides a delicate note. Consider experimenting with varieties of Cheddar for a complex cheese blend.
- Cheddar Cheese Soup Mix: To achieve a velvety texture and enhance the Cheddar goodness in your casserole, consider using a Cheddar cheese soup mix. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try alternative creamy soup mixes like broccoli or mushroom to add your unique twist.
- Evaporated Milk or Whole Milk: You have two options when it comes to milk: evaporated milk or whole milk. Evaporated milk adds richness to the sauce, while whole milk offers a lighter touch. Choose whichever suits your taste preferences best. For a creamier outcome, you might want to incorporate half-and-half or even cream.
- Milk: The milk plays a role in harmonizing the texture of the sauce. You can adjust the amount based on your preference—use less for a thicker sauce or more for a thinner consistency.
- Salt and Pepper: Make sure to generously season each layer of the casserole with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors. Add these seasonings gradually as you build the layers, ensuring every component is perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a skillet, cook the onion and ground beef until fully browned. Meanwhile, slice your potatoes into ¼-inch pieces.
- Layer the casserole: start with a layer of potatoes, season with salt and pepper, add one-third of the cooked beef mixture, and top with one-third of the shredded Cheddar cheese. Repeat this process two more times.
- For the final layer, cover with the remaining Cheddar cheese.
- In a bowl, mix the Cheddar cheese soup with milk and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this over the layered casserole, ensuring even coverage. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake for 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to achieve a golden topping. If your potato slices are thicker, they might need a few extra minutes.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Voilà—dig in and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!
Pro Tip: For the potatoes in your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, try parboiling the slices before assembling the layers. This technique helps kickstart the cooking process, ensuring your potatoes turn out tender and fully cooked once the casserole is baked. Simply blanch the slices in boiling water for about 3 to 4 minutes, then promptly transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking. After patting them dry, you can layer them in the casserole dish. This additional step guarantees a consistent texture and flavor with every delicious bite.
Storage Options
Let’s talk leftovers—because honestly, who doesn’t love having a quick, delicious meal ready to go? This casserole stores like a dream and is perfect for those nights when you just can’t be bothered to cook (we’ve all been there).
- Refrigerate: Got some leftovers? Lucky you! Once the casserole cools, pop it into an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Just warm it up in the oven or microwave, and boom—dinner’s done.
- Freeze: If you’re the plan-ahead type (high five for being organized!), slice it into portions, wrap them in foil, and toss them in the freezer. It’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat. Easy-peasy.
- Reheat: Pro tip: Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes to get that just-baked vibe again. Cover it with foil so it doesn’t dry out—or nuke it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. I won’t judge!
Variations and Substitutions
Feeling like switching it up? This recipe is basically a blank canvas—you can customize it to fit your mood (or, let’s be honest, what’s left in your fridge).
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- Swap the Beef for Chicken: Wondering if chicken works here? Oh, absolutely. Ground chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken makes a lighter but still totally satisfying option. Ground turkey works too if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Try Different Cheeses: Not a Cheddar fan? No problem. Mozzarella, Gruyère, or even pepper jack (hello, spice!) all bring something fun to the party. I once threw in some smoked Gouda, and let me tell you—game changer.
- Go Veggie: If you’re skipping meat, sauté some mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach. Add a can of black beans for extra protein, and voilà, it’s vegetarian heaven.
- Mix Up the Potatoes: Russets are classic, but sweet potatoes give it a slightly sweet-and-savory twist. Or try Yukon Golds for a creamy texture. You really can’t go wrong here.
- Alternate Sauces: Don’t have Cheddar cheese soup? Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken works like a charm. Want to get fancy? Stir in a dollop of sour cream or some Dijon mustard for a little zing.
What to Serve or Pair with Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Sure, this casserole is a meal all on its own—but let’s be real, it’s always fun to have a little something on the side. Here are a few ideas to round out your plate:
- A Crisp Salad: A simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole. Plus, it’s a nice nod to “balance” (because we’ll all be going back for seconds of the casserole anyway).
- Garlic Bread: Seriously, is there anything garlic bread can’t improve? Use it to soak up every cheesy, creamy bite.
- Tangy Pickles: Okay, this might sound weird, but hear me out. A few dill pickles on the side? Game over. That tangy bite is the perfect foil for all the cheesy goodness.
- Soup on the Side: Feeling extra fancy? Start with a light soup like tomato bisque or chicken broth. It’s the kind of pairing that makes you feel like you’ve got this whole dinner thing totally under control.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cheese for this casserole?
Definitely! While Cheddar cheese gives it a rich flavor, you can get creative. Try using your favorite melting cheeses to add a personal touch.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to enjoy, simply follow the baking instructions. Keep in mind that the baking time may be slightly longer.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Certainly! Feel free to include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added color and nutrients.
Why Is Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole So Convenient?
You know those nights when you just can’t even think about what to make for dinner? This is your answer. It’s hearty, filling, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have—ground beef, potatoes, cheese, done. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder, which means less cleanup (can I get an amen?).
What is Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole considered to be similar to?
If you’ve ever had shepherd’s pie, this casserole is like its cheesy cousin—comforting, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s also a little like scalloped potatoes but with way more flavor and protein. Basically, it’s the best of both worlds.
So, what do you think? Have I convinced you that this casserole is basically a superhero in your dinner rotation? Let me know how you’d switch it up—I’m always looking for fresh ideas!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound crumbled ground beef
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 to 4 pounds of potatoes peeled and sliced
- 8 ounces or more Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 can Cheddar Cheese soup mix
- 12 ounces evaporated milk or whole milk
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish that measures 9x13 inches.
- In a skillet cook the ground beef and onion until browned.
- Peel and slice the potatoes to a thickness of about ¼ inch.
- Arrange the sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish. Season them with salt and pepper.
- Spread one-third of the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes followed by a layer of cheese.
- Repeat these layers two times ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- In a bowl mix together Cheddar soup, evaporated milk and any optional seasonings you prefer.
- Pour this mixture over the ingredients, in the baking dish. Cover it with foil.
- Place the dish in the oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour. After that remove the foil cover. Continue baking for 15 minutes until you achieve a golden top.
- Allow your delicious creation to cool briefly before serving and savoring its comforting flavors.
Notes
Nutrition
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
