• Author: tinsuf
• Cuisine: American
• Category: Main Course, Casserole
• Keywords: hamburger casserole, potato casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes (including resting)
• Yield: 5 servings
• Calories: 533 kcal

Ingredients

• 2.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (about 8–9 medium), thinly sliced
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 cup sweet yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 3 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded and divided

Instructions

1. Prep the potatoes: Thinly slice potatoes about ⅛-inch thick. Place in water to prevent browning while preparing other ingredients.
2. Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Cook the meat: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, brown ground beef with diced onions and garlic over medium-high heat. Stir frequently and crumble meat. Drain excess fat.
4. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, half and half, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
5. Layer the casserole: Drain potato slices. Place 1/3 of the potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish, top with 1/3 of the meat mixture, ¾ cup of cheese, and 1/3 of the sauce.
6. Add remaining layers: Repeat layers with another 1/3 of potatoes, meat, cheese, and sauce. Finish with the final layer of potatoes and meat, pour the remaining sauce, and top with 1½ cups of cheese.
7. Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
8. Rest: Let the casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Troubleshooting & Consistency Tips

Potato slices should be evenly thin to cook uniformly. Keep an eye toward the end of baking, as ovens vary. You can peel potatoes if preferred, but leaving skins on adds extra texture and nutrients. Assemble in advance and refrigerate if needed.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for the best texture. This casserole can also be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

This Hamburger Potato Casserole balances tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy cheesy sauce perfectly. Layering ensures every bite has potatoes, meat, and cheese. Baking covered first keeps moisture in, while uncovering at the end browns the cheese beautifully.

Expert Tips

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy, buttery texture.
• Shred cheese freshly for better melting.
• Drain the meat well to prevent a watery casserole.
• Cover tightly with foil to ensure even cooking and prevent the top from burning.
• Optional: Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.