Hamburger Potato Cheese Casserole
Hamburger Potato Cheese Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese. Quick to prepare and made with simple pantry staples, this one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights and loved by both kids and adults. Its creamy sauce and melty cheese layers deliver rich flavor, while optional vegetables and adaptable ingredients make it customizable to your taste and dietary needs.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free soup)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (or pre-sliced frozen potatoes)
Dairy and Sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or cheese blend)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream soup (cream of mushroom or cream of chicken)
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika or Italian herbs (optional)
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until beef is fully browned and fragrant, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, or use pre-sliced frozen potatoes. Lightly parboil the slices for about 5 minutes to ensure tenderness after baking. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream soup, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika or Italian herbs if using. Stir until smooth to form a creamy sauce that will bind the casserole ingredients.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a casserole dish lightly. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture on top. If using, sprinkle the frozen mixed vegetables over the beef. Pour half of the creamy sauce over this layer, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese, creating two layers.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly on top.
Notes
- Pre-cook potatoes to reduce bake time and ensure a tender texture.
- Drain the fat well after browning beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Use plenty of cheese for creaminess and a golden crust.
- Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing for clean portions.
- Choose a sharp cheddar or good melting cheese to enhance flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: casserole, hamburger casserole, potato casserole, cheese casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal