Description
Cheesy hamburger potato casserole brings layers of savory goodness to family dinner tables across America. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and tender potatoes create a satisfying one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) lean ground beef (about 93% lean)
Produce:
- 3 Russet potatoes (skin on, sliced into 0.25 inches rounds)
- 1.25 cups (296 milliliters) onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup (226 grams) mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup (226 grams) sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 0.25 cup (60 grams) Greek yogurt
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) milk (plant-based or whole)
- 2.25 tablespoons (32 grams) butter
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 0.25 cup (59 milliliters) beef broth
- 2.25 tablespoons (20 grams) gluten-free flour
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Salt and pepper for cream sauce (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small, uniform pieces. Drain excess fat thoroughly to reduce greasiness.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Create the creamy sauce by melting butter in a separate saucepan. Whisk in gluten-free all-purpose flour until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Gradually pour milk and beef broth into the butter-flour mixture, whisking continuously to create a velvety consistency. Remove from heat and stir in Greek yogurt, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange a single layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, covering the entire surface completely.
- Spread half of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the potato layer, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour approximately half of the creamy sauce over the beef, using a spatula to spread it uniformly.
- Repeat the layering process: add another layer of potato slices, followed by remaining ground beef and then the rest of the cream sauce.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses across the top layer, creating a complete cheese coverage.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly. Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and sauce to thicken slightly.
Notes
- Layering Strategy Matters: Stack ingredients meticulously to guarantee maximum flavor distribution throughout every delectable bite.
- Potato Preparation Tip: Slice potatoes uniformly thin ensures consistent cooking and prevents uneven textural experiences.
- Fat Management Technique: Thoroughly draining ground beef eliminates excess grease, maintaining a cleaner, more refined dish profile.
- Seasoning Complexity: Worcestershire sauce and complementary spices transform basic ingredients into a rich, multidimensional flavor landscape.
- Cheese Selection Wisdom: Combining mozzarella and sharp cheddar creates a melty, tangy topping that elevates the entire casserole’s taste experience.
- Baking Cover Strategy: Aluminum foil traps moisture initially, then removing allows cheese to crisp and potatoes to develop beautiful golden edges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 90mg