BEST CHEESY HAMBURGER POTATO CASSEROLE

Craving a dinner that’s pure comfort food, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make? This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is *exactly* what you need – layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a blanket of melted cheese create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to experience a weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and stress-free; I promise you’ll love it!

The Dream Team: Ingredients for the BEST Casserole

For the Ground Beef Layer:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Potato Layer:

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheesy Topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started: Prep Work

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is key, trust me – nobody wants a stuck casserole!
2. Prepare your ingredients. Chop the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, peel and thinly slice the potatoes. A mandoline slicer can be a lifesaver here, but be careful!

Making the Ground Beef Layer

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Don’t skip this step! No one wants a greasy casserole.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Assembling the Potato Layer

1. In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced potatoes, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the potatoes evenly. This ensures they’ll cook properly and have great flavor.

Layering the Casserole

1. Spread the ground beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
2. Arrange the potato slices over the ground beef mixture in an even layer, slightly overlapping if necessary. You want good coverage here!

Baking to Perfection

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps the potatoes cook through without burning the cheese later.
2. Bake for 45 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the potato layer.
4. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Keep a close eye on it! You want melty, not burnt, cheese.
5. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to cut.

Tips and Tricks for Casserole Success

Potato Perfection

The key to a great potato casserole is evenly sliced potatoes. If they’re too thick, they won’t cook through. If they’re too thin, they’ll get mushy. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a mandoline slicer is a great option, but watch your fingers!

Cheese, Please!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! Pepper jack would add a nice kick, or a smoked Gouda would add a rich, smoky flavor. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella also works well.

Spice It Up!

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture. Or, stir in a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra flavor.

Make Ahead Magic

This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 15 minutes to the baking time.

Freezer Friendly

Leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations to Make It Your Own

Veggie Power

Add extra veggies to the ground beef mixture. Mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots would all be delicious additions. Just sauté them along with the onion and bell pepper.

Creamy Dreamy

Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup into the ground beef mixture for an extra creamy casserole. This is a classic casserole trick!

Tater Tot Transformation

Instead of sliced potatoes, use frozen tater tots! Simply arrange the tater tots over the ground beef mixture and bake as directed. For a fun twist, try making Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole instead.

Loaded Baked Potato Style

Top the casserole with crumbled bacon, sour cream, and chopped green onions after baking for a truly decadent treat.

What to Serve With Your Casserole

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a simple side salad or some steamed green beans. A crusty loaf of bread is also a great addition for soaking up all that cheesy goodness.

More Casserole Inspiration

If you love casseroles as much as I do, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes:

• Chicken Casserole: A comforting classic with tender chicken and creamy sauce.
• Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake: Flaky crescent rolls filled with cheesy chicken – a family favorite!
• Taco Casserole: A fiesta of flavors in every bite!
• Pizza Tot Casserole: A fun and kid-friendly twist on pizza night.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: Your New Go-To Dinner

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a dish. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner for busy families, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your house. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s both comforting and delicious! Don’t forget to try Cheesy Meatball Subs for another delicious, easy meal. Happy cooking!