Hamburger Potato Casserole

Here’s a classic Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe a hearty, family-friendly dish made with layers of ground beef, potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. It’s comforting, affordable, and easy to prepare perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

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🥘 Hamburger Potato Casserole

🍴 Servings: 6–8

⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes

⏱ Cook Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes

🕒 Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

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🧾 Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs ground beef (lean recommended)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3–4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika (optional)

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for greasing dish and sautéing)

Cream Sauce (Option 1: Homemade)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ cup sour cream (optional but adds richness)

OR Cream Sauce (Option 2: Shortcut)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup

• ½ cup milk

• ½ cup sour cream (optional)

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🔪 Directions:

Step 1: Preheat oven & prepare potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or spray.

3. Peel and thinly slice potatoes (about ⅛-inch thick) using a knife or mandolin. Set aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.

Step 2: Cook ground beef

4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion until browned (7–8 minutes).

5. Drain excess grease.

6. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the cream sauce

Homemade Option:
7. In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
8. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute.
9. Slowly add 2 cups milk, whisking until smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes).
10. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and sour cream if using.

Shortcut Option:

• Mix 1 can of cream soup + ½ cup milk + sour cream in a bowl until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the casserole

11. Pat dry the sliced potatoes.

12. In the greased baking dish, layer:

• A third of the sliced potatoes

• Half the cooked ground beef

• A few spoonfuls of cream sauce

• A sprinkle of shredded cheese

13. Repeat layers (potatoes → beef → sauce → cheese), ending with a final layer of potatoes, sauce, and the remaining cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake

14. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes.

15. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and top is golden and bubbly.

16. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving to set.

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🧂 Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup frozen corn or peas (layer with beef)

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper for heat

• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for variation

• Top with French fried onions or bacon bits after baking for crunch

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🔁 Storage & Reheating:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze the unbaked or baked casserole (wrap tightly). Thaw overnight in fridge and bake as directed.

• Reheat: In oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.

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✅ Tips:

• Slicing potatoes thinly and evenly ensures they cook through.

• Don’t skip covering with foil during the first bake — it helps the potatoes steam and soften.

• You can pre-cook the potatoes in boiling water for 5 minutes to speed up baking time.