Hearty Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Dinner (Print Version)
Make a comforting Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole. This easy, hearty dinner layers ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese. Perfect family meal!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 -
2 lbs (approx. 4-5 medium) Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
06 -
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
07 -
1 cup (240ml) beef broth
08 -
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
→ Flavor Boosters
09 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
10 -
1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 -
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for extra depth)
12 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Creamy Goodness & Topping
13 -
2 cups (approx. 8 oz / 225g) shredded sharp or medium cheddar cheese, freshly grated
→ Finishing Touches
14 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). Then, peel and dice those potatoes into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. I aim for pretty uniform pieces so they cook evenly, but honestly, a little variation adds character, right? Pop them into a pot of cold, salted water, bring it to a boil, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they're just tender-crisp. You don't want mushy potatoes yet! Drain them well; nobody likes a watery casserole.
02 -
Grab a large skillet or Dutch oven, and get it hot over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Brown it until it's no longer pink, then drain off all that excess grease. This is a crucial step! If you skip it, your hamburger potato casserole will be greasy, and the sauce won't cling properly. Once drained, add your diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic for another minute until fragrant. Oh, that smell!
03 -
Now for the flavor magic! Stir the tomato paste into the beef mixture and let it cook for a minute or two, really letting it get a little darker. This deepens its flavor. Then, pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that's pure flavor, don't waste it! Stir in the dried thyme and paprika. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
04 -
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk until everything is smooth and creamy. This is where the sauce for your comforting meal really comes together, getting that velvety texture. Taste it and adjust seasonings if needed – maybe a little salt and pepper? Don't be shy here; you want it well-seasoned, trust your taste buds!
05 -
Gently fold in the partially cooked potatoes with the beef and sauce mixture. Be careful not to mash them too much; we want chunks, not a purée! Pour half of this glorious Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish that you've lightly greased. Sprinkle about half of your grated cheddar cheese evenly over the first layer. This cheese layer is key for that gooey center!
06 -
Top with the remaining beef and potato mixture, spreading it out evenly. Finish it off with the rest of that beautiful grated cheddar cheese. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is melted, golden, and slightly crispy. Honestly, that golden crust is my favorite part! Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Always drain the beef *thoroughly* after browning; nobody wants a greasy casserole.
02 -
Reheating in the oven at 300°F (150°C) with foil keeps leftovers from drying out.
03 -
Swap cheddar for Colby Jack for a milder, creamier cheese pull.
04 -
Serve with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness, it's a perfect balance!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
large pot
04 -
cutting board
05 -
knife
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 30-35g