Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the definition of a “meat and potatoes” classic. By layering the beef and cheese directly between the potato slices, you ensure that every forkful is packed with flavor. The combination of condensed cheddar soup and evaporated milk creates a silky, ultra-rich sauce that mimics a slow-simmered au gratin, but with the hearty addition of seasoned ground beef.

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Ingredients:

How To Make Cheesy Hamburger Casserole:

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the edges.

Step 2: Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. Season with salt and pepper. Break the meat into small crumbles and cook until it’s no longer pink.

Step 3: Build the Layers: Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the baking dish, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Top with 1/4 of the beef mixture and 1/4 of the shredded cheese. Repeat this process three more times until all your ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.

Step 4: Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar soup, evaporated milk, regular milk, and garlic powder. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth.

Step 5: Bake to Tender: Pour the sauce evenly over the layers. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam—this is what cooks the potatoes! Bake for 60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to let the cheese turn golden and the sauce bubble up.

Step 6: The Rest: Let the casserole sit for 5/10 minutes before serving. This rest period is essential for the sauce to thicken and the layers to set so you can scoop out clean portions.