Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Ingredients

3½ pounds potatoes
1 pound crumbled cooked ground beef
12 ounces evaporated milk
14- ounce can cheese soup
½ cup whole milk
1 diced yellow onion
8 ounces shredded cheddar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Sauté the meat and onion in a skillet until the meat is cooked through.
Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into ¼-inch slices.
Arrange a layer of potatoes on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Grind some salt and pepper over them.
Add about a third of the beef mixture and spread it evenly over the potato layer.
Add a third of the cheese, then repeat these layers again twice, ending with a cheese layer.
Stir both milks with the soup and add salt and black pepper if needed.
Pour this mixture over the top of the casserole.
Cover with foil and bake for an hour.
Discard the foil and give it another 15 minutes in the oven to brown the cheese

10 tips to make the best Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole:

1. Use Yukon Gold Potatoes:

Yukon Gold potatoes work best as they hold their shape well and have a buttery texture.

2. Slice Potatoes Evenly:

Slice the potatoes uniformly to ensure they cook evenly throughout the casserole. A mandoline slicer can help with this.

3. Season Each Layer:

Don’t just season the top layer—season the potatoes and meat throughout to ensure every bite is flavorful.

4. Brown the Beef:

Sauté the ground beef until it’s deeply browned for extra flavor. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.

5. Sauté the Onions Separately:

Sauté the onions in a little butter before adding them to the beef. This brings out their sweetness and makes them more tender.

6. Add Garlic for Flavor:

Add minced garlic to the beef mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

7. Mix in Herbs:

Try adding a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary for a savory boost, or sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh finish.

8. Use a Blend of Cheeses:

For a richer flavor, use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese.

9. Let it Rest:

After baking, allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes. This will help it set and make it easier to slice.

10. Make it Creamier:

For a creamier texture, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the milk and soup mixture before pouring it over the casserole.

These tips will help you achieve a cheesy, comforting, and perfectly cooked casserole!

some chef-level advice to elevate the dish:

1. Parboil Potatoes for Even Cooking:

Parboil the potato slices for 5 minutes before layering them in the casserole. This ensures that they cook evenly and are tender without overbaking the dish.

2. Use High-Quality Meat:

Opt for ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio for better flavor. The slight fat content adds richness, while still draining the excess to avoid greasiness.

3. Layer for Texture:

For a more elevated presentation and texture, alternate thin layers of meat and potatoes rather than thick layers. This allows each bite to have a balanced mix of ingredients.

4. Infuse the Milk:

Warm the evaporated milk with a bay leaf, thyme, and a garlic clove before mixing with the soup. This adds depth and subtle herb notes to the casserole.

5. Cheese Balance:

Use sharp cheddar for the cheese layers to create a more intense, rich flavor. A combination of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella will also provide a perfect balance of melt and taste.

6. Brown the Top:

After removing the foil, set the oven to broil for 3-5 minutes to create a crispy, golden-brown cheese crust on top.

7. Add a Crunchy Topping:

For added texture, sprinkle crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

8. Let it Rest:

Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking to let the layers set. This makes slicing easier and ensures the flavors meld together beautifully.

9. Fresh Herbs for Garnish:

Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of freshness and color.

10. Flavor Boost:

Consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the milk and soup mixture for an extra layer of tang and complexity.

These chef tips will help make your casserole truly stand out with amazing flavor, texture, and presentation!