Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Looking for a delicious, hearty meal that everyone will love? This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the answer! Combining layers of seasoned beef, creamy potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where comfort food is needed. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to create a mouthwatering casserole that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Read on to discover all the details, including ingredient lists, variations, tips, and more!

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What is Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a baked dish made by layering ground beef, sliced potatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite for many households. This casserole can be made in large batches, which is perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for busy weeknight dinners. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can create a comforting and flavorful meal that feels like a big warm hug in food form.

Ingredients List for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make the classic version of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 5-6 medium russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese blend)
• 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer taste)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 cup sour cream (optional but adds extra creaminess)
• Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)

Additional Ingredients for Added Flavor

To elevate your casserole, consider adding some of the following optional ingredients:

• 1 cup diced bell peppers (for a burst of color and flavor)
• 1 cup cooked bacon bits (because bacon makes everything better)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (for added creaminess)
• 1 cup frozen peas or corn (for a vegetable boost)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme (to enhance the seasoning)

Substitutions and Variations

If you’d like to customize your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole to suit dietary needs or personal preferences, here are some substitution ideas:

1. Cheese: Feel free to use different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick. Vegan cheese can also be used if you're going dairy-free.
2. Ground Meat: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage. You could also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
3. Potatoes: While russet potatoes are the classic choice, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a sweeter, healthier variation.
4. Cream: For a lighter version, substitute whole milk or heavy cream with a low-fat milk alternative like almond milk or coconut milk.
5. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free casserole.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is simple and straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Start by peeling and thinly slicing the potatoes. You want them about ⅛ inch thick for even cooking.
• Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Set them aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

• In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
• Add the diced onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
• Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Once browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

• In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly add in the milk or cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens.
• Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese and mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Reserve the remaining ½ cup of cheese for topping.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Spread half of the cooked ground beef on top of the potatoes, followed by half of the cheese sauce.
• Repeat the layers: remaining potatoes, ground beef, and the rest of the cheese sauce.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes.
• After 60 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of shredded cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a casserole is simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Using Raw Potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are sliced thinly, or they may not cook fully during baking. Consider parboiling them for 5 minutes before layering for extra assurance.
2. Overcooking the Beef: Don’t cook the ground beef too long in the skillet, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Just brown it until no longer pink.
3. Skipping the Roux: For a creamy, thick cheese sauce, you must make a proper roux by cooking the flour in butter before adding milk. Skipping this step may lead to a runny sauce.
4. Too Much Liquid: Be careful not to add too much milk or cream. Follow the recipe to ensure a perfectly thick and creamy consistency.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation plays a big role in making food even more appetizing. Here are some serving ideas to make your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole look as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• This casserole is a complete meal, but you can serve it with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
• Pair it with a warm, crusty bread to soak up all the creamy goodness.
• For a lighter option, serve alongside sautéed greens like spinach or kale.

Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving for a pop of color and added freshness.
• Serve individual portions in small cast-iron skillets for a rustic, cozy feel.
• Add a drizzle of sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for a creamy contrast.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to guarantee success with your casserole:

• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready. Just add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then follow the baking instructions.
• Leftovers: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen potatoes for this casserole?

Yes! You can use frozen hash browns or frozen potato slices for convenience. Just make sure they are thawed and drained before layering them into the casserole.

2. How can I make this casserole healthier?

You can make healthier swaps like using lean ground turkey instead of beef, using low-fat cheese, or swapping out heavy cream for low-fat milk.

3. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just make sure to sauté them first to release excess moisture before layering them into the dish.

4. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cheese topping during the last 30 minutes.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd. Whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. With customizable ingredients, it’s a versatile meal that can cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying meal!

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