Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat:

1. Add the ground beef and onion.
2. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and optional paprika or herbs, cooking for another minute.
4. Drain excess fat, if needed.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat:

1. Melt butter.
2. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form.
4. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
5. Stir in half of the shredded cheese and optional sour cream or cream cheese until smooth.

4. Assemble the Casserole

1. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of your casserole dish.
2. Spoon half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
3. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the beef.
4. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese sauce.
5. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust.

5. Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.

Tips for a Perfect Casserole

• Thin potato slices cook more evenly and faster. Consider using a mandoline slicer.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra nutrition.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next day for a convenient meal.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a kick.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a warm, hearty dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with savory ground beef and tender potatoes. Perfect for cold nights or casual family gatherings, it’s easy to make, customizable, and irresistibly comforting. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your home-cooked meal rotation.

If you want, I can also create a shortcut version with a single-pan method that saves time and still delivers the same cheesy, meaty goodness.

Do you want me to do that?