Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

I’ve included some videos I found relevant and helpful. 😍

Are you looking for a tasty meal that’s easy to make? Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the answer! This dish brings together ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in a yummy combo. You’ll love how the layers of meat, potatoes, and cheese come together with a creamy sauce.

This casserole is great for family dinners. It’s filling and comforting, perfect for cold nights. You can make it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. The smell of it baking will make everyone hungry!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cheddar soup
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. The ground beef should be lean, about 80-85% lean works great. For the potatoes, choose firm russets that aren’t too big.

Don’t forget to grab some nonstick cooking spray for your baking dish. You’ll also want to have your cheese grater and a big skillet handy for browning the beef.

With these simple ingredients, you’ll create a comforting casserole that’s sure to please the whole family. Get ready for cheesy, meaty, potato-y goodness!

Instructions

This cheesy hamburger potato casserole is easy to make with simple steps. You’ll prep the oven, cook the meat, layer ingredients, make a creamy sauce, bake it all together, and serve up a delicious meal. Let’s go through each step in detail.

Oven Preparation

Start by getting your oven ready. Set it to 350°F (177°C). While it heats up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spray it well with nonstick cooking spray. Make sure you cover the bottom and sides. This will help your casserole come out easily when it’s done.

Meat Sauté

Now it’s time to cook the beef. Put a large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds of ground beef and 1 diced yellow onion. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is no longer pink. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain off any extra fat.

Assembly of Layers

Let’s build your casserole. Start with a layer of sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Add some salt and pepper. Then add 1/4 of the cooked beef and onion mix. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Repeat these layers three more times. You’ll use all 4 pounds of potatoes, all the beef, and 2 cups of cheese total.

Here’s a quick breakdown of each layer:

1. Potatoes
2. Salt and pepper
3. 1/4 of the beef mix
4. 1/2 cup cheese

Make sure to spread each layer evenly.

Sauce Preparation

Now for the creamy sauce. In a bowl, mix:

• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cheddar soup
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup regular milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Whisk these together until smooth. This sauce will make your casserole extra creamy and flavorful.

Baking

Pour your sauce over the layers in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil. This keeps the moisture in while it cooks. Put it in your preheated oven for 60 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for 15 more minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.

Serving

Once it’s out of the oven, don’t dig in right away! Let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve. It also cools it down so you don’t burn your mouth. Use a big spoon to scoop out portions. Enjoy your warm, cheesy hamburger potato casserole!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily change up this tasty casserole to suit your tastes or use what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

Meat swaps:
• Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
• Diced ham for a different flavor
• Crumbled sausage for extra spice

Potato options:
• Sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist
• Sliced carrots mixed with potatoes
• Cauliflower florets for a low-carb version

Cheese choices:
• Monterey Jack for a milder taste
• Pepper Jack to add some heat
• A mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness

You can also try these variations:

• Add veggies like peas, corn, or bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.
• Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cheddar for a different flavor.
• Toss in some bacon bits for a smoky touch.

Feel free to play around with spices too. Try adding paprika, thyme, or Italian seasoning to change up the taste. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making the recipe your own!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For extra flavor, try adding some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture. You can also swap out the cheddar for your favorite cheese blend.

To save time, use pre-shredded cheese and sliced potatoes from the grocery store. A mandoline slicer can help you cut potatoes quickly and evenly if you prefer to do it yourself.

Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly so they cook through. If your potatoes are too thick, they may not get tender enough.

You can prep this casserole ahead of time. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

When reheating, add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Microwave individual portions or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.