Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Looking for a comforting, hearty meal that the entire family will love? Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. This simple yet delicious casserole combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheese for a satisfying meal that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, including a detailed recipe, variations, and helpful tips for making this dish the best it can be.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a deliciously easy dish that combines the heartiness of ground beef and the comfort of cheddar cheese and potatoes. It’s a complete meal in one, and it’s perfect for busy evenings or when you need a crowd-pleasing dish. The layers of sliced potatoes, ground beef, and cheddar cheese create a perfect balance of flavors and textures, while the creamy cheese sauce ties it all together.
This dish is not only comforting but also versatile. With just a few ingredients, you can customize it to suit your tastes, add extra veggies, or even switch up the proteins and cheeses. No matter how you make it, it’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
The ingredients for this dish are straightforward, making it easy to prepare. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound crumbled ground beef – The main protein in the casserole, providing flavor and richness.
- 1 yellow onion, diced – Onion adds a savory sweetness to the beef mixture.
- 3 to 4 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced (¼” thick) – The base of the casserole. The potatoes cook beautifully in the casserole, becoming tender and absorbing the delicious flavors.
- 8 ounces (or more) Cheddar cheese, shredded – The star ingredient! Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and gives the casserole its signature creamy texture.
- 1 can Cheddar cheese soup mix – This soup mix adds an extra creamy and cheesy element to the casserole. It helps bind the ingredients together and adds flavor.
- 12 ounces evaporated milk (or whole milk) – Evaporated milk adds richness to the cheese sauce, but regular milk can be used as a substitute.
- ½ cup milk – Used to thin out the evaporated milk and create the perfect sauce consistency.
- 1 tsp salt – Enhances the flavors of the casserole.
- ½ tsp pepper – Adds a bit of seasoning to balance the richness of the dish.
Optional Additions
- Veggies: You can easily boost the nutritional value by adding veggies like sliced carrots, zucchini, or spinach between the layers of potatoes and beef.
- Spices: For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder, paprika, or red chili flakes for a little heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced yellow onion until the beef is fully browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set the mixture aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Potato Layers
Peel and slice the potatoes into ¼-inch thick slices. Layer the slices on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to season the potatoes.
Step 4: Add the Ground Beef and Cheese Layers
Evenly spread ⅓ of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Next, sprinkle ⅓ of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef. Repeat the process two more times, creating layers of potatoes, ground beef, and cheese. End with a generous layer of cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the Cheddar cheese soup mix, evaporated milk, and regular milk. Stir until the ingredients are well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. This sauce will create a creamy, cheesy base for the casserole.
Step 6: Pour the Sauce Over the Layers
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Make sure to cover all the layers for an even bake.
Step 7: Cover and Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the cheese on top to become golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Let it Set and Serve
Once the casserole is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. This will allow the casserole to set and make it easier to serve.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Use thinly sliced potatoes: For even cooking, slice the potatoes as thinly as possible. Using a mandoline slicer ensures consistent thickness, allowing the potatoes to cook evenly.
- Let the casserole rest: After baking, allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes to set before cutting. This will prevent the layers from falling apart.
- Customize the cheese: While Cheddar cheese is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Add veggies for extra nutrition: Layer in sliced carrots, spinach, or zucchini to add more nutrients and color to the casserole.
- Use ground turkey or sausage: If you prefer a leaner option, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken. For a different flavor, try ground sausage.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: Add red chili flakes or a jalapeño to the ground beef for a spicy twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make the casserole gluten-free, ensure the cheddar cheese soup mix is gluten-free, or substitute it with a homemade cheese sauce made from scratch.
Conclusion
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With its layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, this dish is perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests at your next dinner. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you add extra veggies, swap the protein, or spice it up, this casserole is sure to be a hit every time you make it.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal!