Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

I recently made this Hamburger Potato Casserole on a cozy evening, and I have to tell you it turned out even better than I expected. The layers of savory beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese were a warm hug on a plate.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef — I prefer a lean mix 85/15 so there’s flavor but not too much grease.
• 4 medium potatoes, russet or Yukon Gold, peeled and sliced thin — thin slices cook evenly and meld with the meat.
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped — adds sweetness and depth; sautéing first softens its bite.
• 1 to 2 cups shredded cheese, cheddar or mozzarella — freshly shredded melts better and avoids coating with anti-caking agents.
• ½ cup milk — gives creaminess and helps the layers bind together.
• 2 tbsp butter, melted — enriches the dish and helps the milk soak into potatoes.
• Salt to taste — always start light and adjust after baking.
• Pepper to taste — freshly ground gives the best aroma.
• Garlic powder to taste — adds a subtle savory note without overpowering.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart and cooking for 7–10 minutes or until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Return the skillet to medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
4. Season the beef-onion mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir for another minute to combine the flavors.
5. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay half of the potato slices in an even layer and season lightly.
7. Spread the beef-onion mixture over the potatoes.
8. Top with the remaining potato slices.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and melted butter, then pour evenly over the top.
10. Sprinkle 1–2 cups of shredded cheese evenly across the casserole.
11. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
12. Remove foil and continue baking for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
13. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture.
• Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before serving to help it set.
• Keep potato layers thin so the milk reaches all slices.
• Taste and adjust salt after baking, as flavors intensify.
• For extra crisp edges, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — watch closely.