Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Introduction
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is it! Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, and a rich homemade cheese sauce come together in one hearty bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this casserole is not only filling but also a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of dish that makes the house smell amazing while it bakes and has everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 5–6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
- Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant (about 5 minutes).
Step 3: Make Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
- Whisk in flour, cooking for 1 minute.
- Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened (3–4 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes; season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add half of the beef, half of the onion/garlic, and drizzle with cheese sauce.
- Repeat layers, finishing with potatoes on top sprinkled with paprika.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
- Let casserole rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve with salad or veggies.
Storage Method
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings.
- Freezer: Assemble casserole (without baking), cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.