Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 pound crumbled ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
•  3 to 4 pounds of potatoes, peeled and sliced
•  8 ounces, or more Cheddar Cheese, shredded
•  1 can Cheddar Cheese soup mix
•  12 ounces evaporated milk, or whole milk
•   ½ cup milk
•   1 tsp salt
•   ½ tsp pepper

How To Make

1. Preheat the oven to 350*
2. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with a non stick cooking spray
3. In a large skillet, add the onion and ground beef and cook until the meat is done
4. Slice the potatoes to about ¼” slices
5. Add one layer of potatoes to the bottom of the baking pan
6. Sprinkle with salt and pepper
7. Top with approximately ⅓ of the meat mixture and spread evenly over the potatoes
8. Sprinkle with ⅓ of the shredded cheese
9. Repeat this two more times in layers
10. The last layer should be the remaining cheese
11. In a bowl, combine the Cheddar cheese soup mix, the milk and the evaporated milk, with optional salt and pepper if desired
12. Pour the soup mix over the top of the potatoes and beef mixture
13. Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil and place in the oven
14. Bake for one hour
15. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to get a golden topping on the cheese.
16. If the potatoes are thicker, you will need to bake the dish longer

Enjoy

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that layers seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese. Here are some variations and tips to help you customize your casserole:

Variations:

1. Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole:

• Add Bacon: Mix cooked, crumbled bacon into the ground beef or sprinkle it on top before baking for a smoky, savory addition that mimics the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger.

1. Vegetable-Loaded Casserole:

• Add Veggies: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms. Sauté them with the ground beef, or layer them between the potatoes and cheese for added flavor and nutrition.

1. Spicy Cheesy Casserole:

• Add Heat: Use spicy sausage instead of ground beef or add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.

1. Creamy Mushroom Casserole:

• Use Cream of Mushroom Soup: Replace part of the cheese or sauce with cream of mushroom soup for a creamy, earthy flavor. This variation adds depth and a slight umami taste.

1. Southwest-Inspired Casserole:

• Southwest Flavors: Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning to the beef mixture. Top with a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheese, and serve with sour cream and salsa.

1. Italian-Style Casserole:

• Italian Flavors: Season the ground beef with Italian seasoning and add marinara sauce. Use mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and consider adding layers of spinach or ricotta for a lasagna-like twist.

1. Low-Carb Casserole:

• Substitute Potatoes: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or thin slices of zucchini for a low-carb version that still delivers on flavor and comfort.

1. French Onion Casserole:

• Onion Soup Mix: Mix a packet of French onion soup mix into the ground beef for a savory, onion-forward flavor. Top with crispy fried onions for added texture.

Tips:

1. Choosing the Potatoes:

• Use the Right Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this casserole because they hold their shape well during baking. Slice them thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through properly.

1. Pre-Cooking the Potatoes:

• Par-Cook Potatoes: For a faster bake time and softer texture, par-cook the potatoes by boiling or microwaving them for a few minutes before layering them in the casserole.

1. Layering for Success:

• Even Layers: For the best texture, make sure to evenly layer the ground beef, potatoes, and cheese. Start with a thin layer of potatoes on the bottom to prevent sticking, then alternate layers of beef, cheese, and potatoes.

1. Cheese Choices:

• Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, consider mixing in other cheeses like Gouda, Swiss, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. For a creamier sauce, use a blend of cheeses.

1. Crispy Topping:

• Add Crunch: Top the casserole with breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or more cheese in the last 10-15 minutes of baking to create a golden, crispy crust.

1. Make It Ahead:

• Prep in Advance: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. It also freezes well—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.

1. Check Doneness:

• Test the Potatoes: The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender. Test by piercing them with a fork. If they resist, bake the casserole a bit longer, covering with foil if the top is browning too quickly.

1. Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with a Salad: Serve the casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can add freshness to each serving.

These variations and tips will help you tailor Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole to your liking, making it a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit different tastes, dietary needs, and occasions!