Hamburger Potato Casserole – Hearty Homestyle Comfort
Introduction
This Hamburger Potato Casserole is the definition of cozy, family‑friendly comfort food. With layers of tender Yukon gold potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy homemade sauce, it’s baked to golden perfection under a blanket of melted cheddar. Simple, hearty, and satisfying — it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table.
Ingredients
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
2 tbsp all‑purpose flour
1½ cups (360 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1½ lbs (680 g) Yukon gold potatoes, peeled & sliced ¼” thick
1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
Cook Beef Mixture
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add ground beef, cook until browned, then season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat.
Make Sauce
Sprinkle flour over beef mixture, stir 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and Dijon mustard. Cook 2–3 minutes until thickened and smooth.
Layer Casserole
Arrange half the potato slices in the dish, season lightly. Spoon half the beef sauce over potatoes, sprinkle with half the cheddar.
Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef sauce, and cheese.
Bake
Cover tightly with foil. Bake 35–40 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Rest & Serve
Let casserole rest 10 minutes before slicing to allow sauce to set.
Time & Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Nutritional Notes (per serving)
Calories: ~360
Protein: 22 g
Carbs: 26 g
Fat: 18 g
Tips & Tricks
Extra flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef.
Cheese swap: Try mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.
Veggie boost: Layer in spinach or mushrooms with the potatoes.
Make ahead: Assemble casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight; bake the next day.
Variations
Tex‑Mex Style: Add taco seasoning and top with salsa.
Creamy Mushroom: Stir in a can of mushrooms with the sauce.
Loaded Casserole: Top with crispy bacon bits and green onions after baking.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Add roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I use russet potatoes instead of Yukon gold?
A: Yes, but Yukon golds hold their shape better and add creaminess.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
A: Absolutely — adjust seasoning for flavor depth.
Conclusion
This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty, homestyle dish that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy. With its creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and cheesy topping, it’s comfort food at its finest.