Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole! Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this dish features layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese. What makes it unique is its creamy sauce that ties everything together, creating a satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Casserole
• For the Sauce
• Seasoning
• For Garnish
• How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
• Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
• Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 5: Bake the Casserole
• Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
• How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
• With a Fresh Salad
• Topped with Condiments
• Accompanied by Vegetables
• How to Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
• Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
• Reheating Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How long does Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole last?
• Can I customize my Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole?
• What can I serve with Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole?
• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
• Is Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole suitable for freezing?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This casserole is packed with protein and carbs, making it a complete meal on its own.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this dish ready without a fuss.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or different cheeses for a personal touch.
• Leftover Friendly: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the cheesy goodness!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather these essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish is ideal for layering your casserole evenly while ensuring proper cooking.
• Skillet: A large skillet accommodates all the ground beef and onion without crowding, allowing for even browning.
• Mixing Bowl: This is perfect for combining your sauce ingredients smoothly without mess.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch pieces
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese

For the Sauce

• 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cheddar soup
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• ½ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Seasoning

• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
2. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Break up the beef as it cooks until browned and no longer pink.
4. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

In the prepared baking dish:
1. Layer sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom.
2. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Add ¼ of the cooked beef mixture followed by ¼ of the grated cheddar cheese.
4. Repeat this layering process three more times until all ingredients are used.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together condensed cheddar soup, evaporated milk, milk, and garlic powder until smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Pour the sauce evenly over your layered ingredients in the baking dish:
1. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 60 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked:
1. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. This helps set layers for easier serving.

Enjoy this warm, cheesy casserole paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a delightful meal!

How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Serving Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a delightful experience that brings warmth to the table. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes, enhancing its comfort food appeal.

With a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers drizzled with vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and croutons in creamy dressing complement the casserole’s richness.

Topped with Condiments

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a tangy contrast to the cheesy layers.
• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions for added crunch and flavor.

Accompanied by Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli florets add nutrition and color to your plate.
• Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots pair nicely with the savory casserole.

How to Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

To make your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole even more delightful, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Seasoning: Enhance the flavor by adding spices like paprika or Italian seasoning to the beef mixture.
• Bold Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses such as Gouda or Pepper Jack for unique flavors.
• Bold Layering: Ensure even distribution of ingredients by carefully layering potatoes and beef for consistent cooking.
• Bold Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; you want it bubbly but not overcooked.

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Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes that can balance its richness. Consider serving one or more of these options for a complete meal.

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread slices are perfect for mopping up creamy sauce.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, making for a satisfying contrast.
3. Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans offer a lovely contrast to the savory casserole flavors.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds sweetness and a fun texture.
5. Mashed Potatoes: For potato lovers, creamy mashed potatoes create an indulgent double potato experience!
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides a refreshing palate cleanser after this hearty dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help you create the perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using unseasoned beef: Always season your ground beef while cooking. This enhances flavor and prevents a bland casserole.
• Skipping the layering: Layering ingredients is crucial for even cooking and flavor distribution. Don’t just mix everything together; follow the layering instructions.
• Not letting it rest: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking is essential. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
• Overcooking or undercooking potatoes: Use thin, uniform slices of potatoes for consistent cooking. Thicker slices may remain hard, while thinner ones may become mushy.
• Ignoring cheese variations: While cheddar is classic, experimenting with different cheeses can elevate your casserole. Try Monterey Jack or Colby for added flavors.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for best quality.
• Allow the casserole to cool before covering.

Freezing Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and cover with foil. Bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole last?

This casserole lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator if stored properly. For longer storage, consider freezing it.

Can I customize my Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

What can I serve with Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Pair it with a fresh side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal that balances richness with freshness.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare it up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready to serve.

Is Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole suitable for freezing?

Yes! It freezes well. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is not only comforting but also versatile. It allows room for customization with different cheeses and vegetables, making it a family favorite that you can adapt to everyone’s tastes. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; your loved ones will thank you!