Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

There’s something about a hearty casserole that screams comfort food, and this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is no exception. Packed with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this comforting meal!

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/4-inch thick)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, regular milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and onion powder until well combined.
4. Layer the Casserole: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the sauce mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, ground beef mixture, sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Broil: Remove the foil and broil the casserole for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Potato Thickness: It’s essential to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.
• Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Swiss, for a unique flavor profile.
• Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value of the casserole by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the layers.
• Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto Version: To make this recipe keto-friendly, omit the condensed cream of chicken soup and replace it with a homemade keto-friendly sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, and cream cheese. Swap the evaporated milk and regular milk for unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream.
• Low-Carb Version: Reduce the carb content of the casserole by using cauliflower instead of potatoes. Simply substitute thinly sliced cauliflower florets for the potatoes and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Absolutely! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then portion it into individual servings or freeze the entire dish in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you prefer a leaner option. You can also use ground chicken or pork depending on your preference.

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, featuring layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual gathering, this easy-to-make dish is sure to please. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the hearty goodness of homemade comfort food at its finest!