This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. Layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese sauce come together to create a comforting and delicious casserole that everyone will love. Plus, it's incredibly easy to prepare, making it a lifesaver on busy days.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/4-inch thick)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- ½ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the meat is browned and crumbly. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Drain any excess grease using a colander or slotted spoon. Set the cooked ground beef mixture aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, milk, remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, remaining 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start by layering 1/3 of the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the dish. Top with 1/3 of the cooked ground beef mixture and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Repeat this layering process two more times, using up all the remaining ingredients.
5. Bake the Casserole: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top layer of cheese and potatoes. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
6. Brown the Cheese Topping: After 1 hour, remove the casserole from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Check the potatoes with a fork; they should be tender when pierced. If not, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the casserole. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole stand for 15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the potatoes to firm up for easier serving. Enjoy this hot and comforting Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole with a side salad or your favorite vegetables.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- To add a bit of spice, include a diced jalapeno pepper when cooking the ground beef.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven until warmed through.