Hamburger Potato Casserole
This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines layers of seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, and a creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It's a perfect meal for any day of the week, providing warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
Equipment
- Large Nonstick Skillet
- 13 x 9-inch Casserole Dish
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, sliced into rounds about 1/4” thick (keep them submerged in water until ready to use)
- 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
- Ground Beef:
In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan, discard any grease, and wipe out the skillet. - Sauce:
Return the skillet to medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until aromatic.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk in the flour until well combined with the butter, creating a roux. In a separate bowl or large liquid measuring cup, mix together the milk and chicken broth. Gradually whisk the liquid into the roux, about 1/3 cup at a time, ensuring the sauce remains smooth. Continue until all the liquid is incorporated.
Once all the liquid is added and the sauce is smooth, whisk in the parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a light boil over medium-high heat for about 1 minute to thicken, then stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese. - Casserole:
Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish. Arrange 1/3 of the sliced potatoes evenly along the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then layer with 1/3 of the sauce and 1/3 of the cooked ground beef.
Repeat this layering process two more times to create 3 layers. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top layer.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil (ensure it doesn’t touch the cheese) and bake for 1 hour.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Finish by broiling for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown in spots. - Allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Hamburger Potato Casserole!
Notes
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Simply cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while preheating the oven. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.