Go Back
A golden-brown cheesy hamburger potato casserole in a white baking dish, showing bubbling cheese and layers of sliced potatoes

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Mealoras
A hearty and comforting all-in-one meal featuring tender potatoes and savory beef.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course dinner
Servings 8 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Ground Beef
  • 5 large Yukon Gold Potatoes thinly sliced
  • 1 medium Onion thinly sliced
  • 2 1/2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese divided
  • 1/4 cup Butter
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 3 cups Milk
  • 3/4 cup Half and Half
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Salt

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating the oven and greasing a large baking dish to ensure nothing sticks during the baking process.
  • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the sliced onions in olive oil until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are soft.
  • Stir the Worcestershire sauce into the meat mixture to add depth and flavor before setting the skillet aside.
  • Melt the butter in a saucepan and whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux, cooking it briefly to remove the raw flour taste.
  • Gradually pour in the milk and half and half, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
  • Season the sauce with garlic powder and salt, then stir in most of the shredded cheese until it is completely melted.
  • Create layers in the baking dish by starting with sliced potatoes, followed by the beef mixture and a generous pour of cheese sauce.
  • Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of cheese sauce and a sprinkle of the remaining cheddar.
  • Lightly dust the top with paprika and cover the dish tightly with foil before placing it in the oven.
  • Bake the covered casserole until the potatoes are steaming, then remove the foil and continue baking until the top is golden and bubbling.
  • Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before slicing to let the sauce thicken and set.

Notes

• Potato Prep: Use a mandoline for the potato slices to ensure they are uniform in thickness, which helps them cook at the exact same rate.
• Drain Excess Fat: If the beef releases a lot of liquid or oil during browning, drain the skillet before layering to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
• Cheese Choice: Sharp cheddar provides the most robust flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack for a creamier melt.
• Don't Rush the Rest: Letting the casserole sit after baking is essential for getting clean, beautiful scoops rather than a runny sauce.