Homestyle Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Bake (Print Version)

Hearty Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole brings comfort. Layered with seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, it's a family favorite.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten

# Ingredients:

→ Hearty Base

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and 1/4-inch sliced

→ Creamy Goodness

05 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
07 - 2.5 cups whole milk
08 - 1 cup chicken broth

→ Flavor Boosters

09 - 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
10 - 0.5 tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)
11 - 1 tsp dried thyme
12 - 0.5 tsp paprika

→ Cheesy Topping

13 - 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (divided)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those potatoes peeled and sliced into about 1/4-inch rounds. This is where I sometimes get a little impatient and make them too thick, which means longer cooking. Don't be like me! Then, par-boil them in salted water for about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy. This step is SO important for even cooking in the oven, trust me on this; I've had raw-ish potatoes in the middle of a casserole before, and it's a real bummer.
02 - While the potatoes are doing their thing, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up. Brown it until it's no longer pink, then drain off all that glorious fat. Seriously, don't skip the draining! Add the diced onion and minced garlic, letting them soften and get fragrant for a few minutes. Oh, the smell at this stage is just heavenly, it fills the kitchen with such promise! Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Give it a good stir and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet (or a clean one if you're fancy), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute, making a roux. It should smell a little nutty. Slowly, *slowly* whisk in the milk and chicken broth. This is where lumps can happen if you rush it, so take your time! Let it simmer and thicken, stirring constantly. It should coat the back of a spoon.
04 - Once your sauce is thick and bubbly, take it off the heat. Stir in about two cups of your freshly grated cheddar cheese and the paprika until it's all melted and smooth. Season with a little more salt and pepper, tasting as you go. This is the heart of your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, so make sure it's just right! I always sneak a little taste, oops, couldn't resist!
05 - Time to assemble! Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread about half of your seasoned ground beef mixture on the bottom. Arrange half of your par-boiled potato slices over the beef. Pour about half of your cheesy sauce over the potatoes. Repeat those layers: remaining beef, remaining potatoes, and then the rest of that glorious cheese sauce. It's a beautiful thing to watch it come together!
06 - Cover your casserole dish with foil and pop it into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 30 minutes. This helps the potatoes get super tender. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the top, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until it's bubbly, golden brown, and the cheese is melted and slightly crispy. Let it rest for a few minutes out of the oven, honestly, it helps the sauce set up beautifully. The aroma is just incredible!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip par-boiling the potatoes, honestly, it makes all the difference for tenderness.
02 - This casserole freezes surprisingly well! Just thaw overnight and reheat gently.
03 - Try adding a can of diced green chiles for a little kick, I've done it, and wow.
04 - Serve with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped fresh chives, it's a game-changer.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - 9x13 inch baking dish
03 - whisk
04 - cutting board
05 - knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 28g

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