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A serving of cheesy hamburger potato casserole being scooped from a baking dish, showcasing layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, and melted cheddar.
Reda

Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole

A comforting and cheesy casserole with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and a savory cream sauce, baked to golden perfection. The ultimate one-dish meal for a hungry family.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 585
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Layer
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10 recommended
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Potatoes and Sauce
  • 2.5 lbs Russet potatoes peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup beef broth low-sodium
  • 2.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided (1 cup for sauce, 1.5 for topping)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • 9x13 Inch Casserole Dish
  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Mandoline Slicer (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Peel the potatoes and slice them into 1/8-inch thick rounds. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for uniform thickness, which ensures even cooking. Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients.
Cook the Beef
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
  2. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Assemble and Bake the Casserole
  1. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, overlapping slightly. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potato layer.
  3. Arrange the remaining half of the potatoes over the beef layer.
  4. Carefully pour the cheese sauce over the top layer of potatoes, ensuring it covers everything evenly. Use a spatula to spread it to the edges.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  6. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Let the hamburger potato casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up and makes it easier to slice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Pro Tip: For perfectly cooked potatoes, ensure they are sliced very thinly and uniformly. If they are too thick, they may not cook through in the allotted time.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in a 350°F oven until warmed through.