Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings and takes approximately 1.5 hours (prep + cook time). This is the classic version using a cream-based soup for the sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound (450-500g) ground beef (medium-fat is recommended)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 can (approx. 300g) condensed cream of soup (mushroom, chicken, or cream of cheese soup works well)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 pounds (approx. 1kg) potatoes, thinly sliced (slicing them $1/8″$ thick with a mandolin is ideal)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese blend), divided

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep Oven and Cook Beef

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onions, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up with a spatula.

• Drain off any excess grease. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of soup and milk until smooth. You can add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor, if desired.

3. Layer the Casserole

• Layer 1: Arrange about one-third of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

• Layer 2: Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.

• Layer 3: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese over the beef.

• Layer 4: Place the next one-third (or half) of the potatoes on top.

• Layer 5: Spread the remaining ground beef mixture over this potato layer.

• Layer 6: Place the last layer of potatoes on top.

• Pour the cream of soup mixture evenly over the entire casserole, making sure it seeps down the sides.

4. Bake

• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

• Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become tender (they should be easily pierced with a fork).

• Carefully remove the foil after 60 minutes (watch out for steam!).

• Sprinkle the remaining 1.5 cups of cheese over the top of the casserole.

• Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

5. Serve

• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the sauce set up and keeps the slices together better.

• Serve, optionally topped with fresh parsley.