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A hamburger and potato casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any family meal. This casserole combines savory ground beef with tender potatoes, creating a deliciously filling dish. Typically, the hamburger is browned and seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices before being layered with sliced or diced potatoes. A creamy sauce, often made from sour cream, cheese, and a touch of mustard or cream of mushroom soup, is poured over the layers, then baked until golden and bubbly. Topped with shredded cheese, the casserole becomes a rich and flavorful meal that's sure to satisfy everyone's appetite.

The Ultimate Guide to Crafting a Perfect Hamburger and Potato Casserole

A perfect hamburger and potato casserole combines simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese for a comforting, flavorful dish. With the right layering technique, quality ingredients, and proper moisture control, you can create a casserole that is neither dry nor soggy, but perfectly tender and creamy. This recipe ensures that each layer is rich in flavor and texture, making it a family favorite.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds russet potatoes, sliced to 1/4-inch thickness
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90% or higher)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Colby-Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom, celery, or broccoli)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme)
  • Butter, for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Prepare Potatoes: Slice the potatoes to 1/4-inch thickness. Optionally, peel them. Soak the slices in water to prevent browning.
  • Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Make Sauce: In a separate pan, combine milk and cream of chicken soup. Heat over medium until smooth. Stir in the cheeses and continue to heat until melted and creamy.
  • Assemble Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Layer the potatoes in the dish, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add a layer of cooked ground beef, followed by cheese. Repeat layers 3-4 times, ending with cheese on top.
  • Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
  • Rest: Let the casserole rest for 15-20 minutes before serving to set the layers

Notes

  • Let the casserole cool for 15-20 minutes after baking to allow the layers to settle.
  • For even cooking, ensure potato slices are uniformly thin.
  • If using frozen hash browns, there’s no need to pre-cook them.
  • The sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to a day in the fridge.
  • Use a food thermometer to ensure the ground beef reaches 160°F.
  • Author: Eva Chef
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour (45 minutes covered, 15-20 minutes uncovered)
  • Category: Main dish, Comfort food
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian