Homestyle Cheesy Hamburger Potato Bake (Print Version)
This hearty cheesy hamburger potato casserole brings comfort and ease to weeknight dinners. A family favorite with simple ingredients!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-based
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Base
01 -
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
02 -
4-5 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
03 -
1 large onion, diced
04 -
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 cup beef broth
→ Creamy & Cheesy Goodness
06 -
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
07 -
1/2 cup whole milk or 2% milk
08 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
→ Flavor Boosters
09 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
10 -
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
11 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those potatoes peeled and sliced thin, about ⅛-inch thick. I usually use a mandoline for this, but a sharp knife works too – just watch those fingers, hon! Then, dice your onion and mince your garlic. The smell of onion hitting a hot pan always gets me excited for dinner, it's like the official start to a good meal. This step is where I always forget to salt the water if I'm pre-boiling, so just a heads up!
02 -
Now, in a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown your ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned, for real, drain off all that excess fat. I learned this the hard way once, ending up with a greasy casserole – not ideal! Add the diced onion and cook until it's softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, toss in that minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it, because burnt garlic is just sad.
03 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and simmering. Season with a good pinch of salt and pepper. This is where the magic really starts to happen, the smell is just divine! I sometimes add a tiny dash of smoked paprika here for an extra layer of flavor, just because I like to experiment, you know?
04 -
Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it. Arrange half of your sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom. Spoon half of your savory beef mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle a generous half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. Repeat these layers: remaining potatoes, then the rest of the beef mixture, and finally, top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Don't be shy with that cheese, honestly!
05 -
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 45 minutes. This initial covered bake allows the potatoes to get wonderfully tender, soaking up all those amazing flavors without drying out. I’ve definitely peeked too early before and let out too much steam, oops! Patience is key here, friends.
06 -
After 45 minutes, remove the foil. Return the cheesy hamburger potato casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender. You want that golden-brown, slightly crispy cheese on top. It’s what makes this dish so visually appealing and, honestly, so much more delicious. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, it helps everything set up perfectly!
# Notes:
01 -
Always drain the ground beef fat really well, or your casserole gets greasy – trust me, I've been there.
02 -
Leftovers are great, but for best texture, reheat in the oven, not the microwave, to keep that creamy sauce.
03 -
If you don't have cheddar, Colby Jack melts beautifully and gives a slightly milder flavor profile.
04 -
Serve with a simple green salad; the freshness really balances the richness of the casserole.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
mandoline (optional)
04 -
whisk
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 Calories
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 30g