Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (or cubed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
Dairy and Sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or blend of cheeses)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream soup or equivalent cream sauce
Seasonings and Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for cooking)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon paprika or herbs
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs or crushed crackers (for crispy crust)
Instructions
- Prepare and Brown the Beef: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat. Stir in diced onions and sauté until translucent.
- Layer the Potatoes: Slice potatoes thinly for even cooking. Grease a baking dish and layer half of the potatoes evenly in the bottom to create a base.
- Add the Beef Mixture: Spread the cooked ground beef and onions evenly over the potato layer, distributing the savory meat throughout.
- Mix and Pour Sauce: Combine condensed cream soup or cream sauce with seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika/herbs). Pour this mixture evenly over the beef layer to add moisture and creaminess.
- Finish with Remaining Potatoes and Cheese: Top the sauce with the remaining sliced potatoes, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Optionally, add bread crumbs or crushed crackers for a crisp topping.
- Bake Until Golden and Tender: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10–15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown. The casserole is done when potatoes are tender and the top is bubbling.
Notes
- Use thin potato slices to ensure even cooking and avoid undercooked spots.
- Season each layer separately to build rich and balanced flavors.
- Don’t overload on cheese—enough to melt and form a crust without overpowering.
- Test doneness by inserting a fork; potatoes should be soft and tender.
- Let casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: hamburger casserole, potato casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, easy dinner