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Hamburger Potato Cheese Casserole

A hearty, layered casserole of tender sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and rich homemade cheddar cheese sauce. This comforting oven-baked dish is filling, budget-friendly, and perfect for family dinners.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Baked Dishes, Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Favorites, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 russet potatoes peeled and sliced 1/4–1/2 inch thick
  • 2-3 tbsp onion chopped
  • 1 lb ground beef lean preferred
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups milk skim or preferred
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt for cheese sauce
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper for cheese sauce
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • ketchup optional for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 2.5-quart casserole dish.
  2. In a skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
  3. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the casserole dish. Top with half of the beef mixture and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Repeat with remaining potatoes and beef mixture, seasoning again as desired.
  5. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper to form a roux.
  6. Gradually whisk in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until fully melted and smooth.
  8. Pour cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and beef, gently moving potatoes to allow sauce to coat all layers.
  9. Cover and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is browned.
  10. Spoon off any excess grease if needed. Serve hot, optionally with ketchup.

Notes

For extra flavor, add garlic or paprika to the beef. Swap cheddar for a cheese blend for variation.