Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole (The Ultimate Comfort Food)

There’s nothing more comforting than a bubbling, golden cheesy hamburger potato casserole fresh from the oven. This hearty,
budget-friendly dish layers seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy sauce under a blanket of melted cheddar.
It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole family gather around the table and ask for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights,
potlucks, or make-ahead Sunday prep, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that turns simple pantry staples into something
special

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr | Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (85-90%)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5-6 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced (1/8 inch)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra gooeyness)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for richer sauce)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for greasing)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
Drain any excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth and creamy.
4. Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the beef mixture
over the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the beef and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
5. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, sauce, and finish with the remaining cheddar (and mozzarella
if using).
6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese
on top is golden and bubbly.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with a simple green
salad or steamed broccoli.

Pro Tips & Variations
• Make it ahead: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

• High-protein boost: Use 93% lean ground beef or mix in ½ lb ground turkey. You can also stir in 1 cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt into the sauce for extra protein.

• Potato tip: Use a mandoline for perfectly even 1/8-inch slices so everything cooks uniformly. Yukon Gold potatoes also work beautifully.

• Freezer friendly: Bake, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating at 350°F

• Variations: Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef. Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick. Top with crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter for extra crunch.