Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

For the Potato Layer:

• 4 cups (about 2 lbs) peeled and thinly sliced potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold)
  • OR 4 cups leftover mashed potatoes (see note below)
• ½ cup (120ml) beef broth or water

For the Cheese Topping:

• 2½ cups (10 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: ½ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess if using sliced potatoes)

💡 Pro Tips:

• Slice potatoes thin (⅛-inch)—they cook faster and absorb flavor better.
• Drain beef well—excess fat makes casserole greasy.
• Use freshly shredded cheese—pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Savory, Cheesy, Foolproof)

1. Brown the Beef

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook ground beef until browned (5–6 mins). Drain excess fat.
• Stir in onion, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper; cook 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.

2. Layer the Casserole

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• If using sliced potatoes:
  • Spread half the potatoes in the dish.
  • Top with all the beef mixture.
  • Add remaining potatoes.
  • Pour beef broth evenly over top.
  • Dot with sour cream (if using).
• If using mashed potatoes:
  • Spread beef mixture in dish.
  • Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.

3. Add Cheese & Bake

• Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over top.
• Cover with foil; bake 40 minutes.
• Uncover; bake 10–15 more minutes, until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.

4. Serve Hot

• Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
• Great with:
  • Pickles or coleslaw on the side
  • Ketchup or mustard for dipping
  • Simple green salad to balance richness

Serving Suggestions

• 🍟 Classic pairing: With garlic bread or dinner rolls
• 🥗 Balanced plate: Steamed broccoli or green beans
• 🌶️ Spicy kick: Top with jalapeños or hot sauce
• 🧈 Extra indulgence: Dollop of sour cream or butter

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Fridge: Assemble unbaked; cover and refrigerate up to 1 day. Bake as directed (+10 mins).
• Freeze: Bake, cool, then freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight; reheat covered at 350°F.
• Leftovers: Keep up to 4 days—reheat in oven or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Gluten-free?
A: Yes! Ensure Worcestershire is GF (like Lea & Perrins GF).

Q: Can I add veggies?
A: Absolutely! Stir in corn, peas, or diced bell peppers with the beef.

Q: Potatoes still hard?

A: Slice thinner next time, or parboil sliced potatoes for 5 minutes before layering.

Q: Using mashed potatoes?
A: Leftover mashed works great—just spread evenly over beef. No need for broth.

❤️ The Heart of the Dish

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole isn’t just convenient—it’s a bowl of pure comfort. It’s what you make when you want to feed people well without fuss, or when you need a meal that feels like a hug.

So brown that beef, layer those potatoes, and bake with joy. Because the best meals aren’t complicated—they’re savory, cheesy, and made with love.

“Good food doesn’t need a recipe—it just needs beef, potatoes, and someone hungry.” 🥩✨