Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole — Big Family-Style Recipe

Ingredients

• 500 g ground beef
• 1 kg potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 1 can (300 ml) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional but recommended)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
   Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet.
   Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
   Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
   Remove from heat and set aside.
5. In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth.
6. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the baking dish.
   Season lightly with salt and pepper.
7. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
   Pour half of the soup mixture on top.
   Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and mozzarella.
8. Repeat the layers with remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese.
9. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
11. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for Best Results

• Slice potatoes very thin so they cook evenly
• For extra flavor, use sharp cheddar
• If casserole looks dry, add a little more milk before baking
• Let it rest before cutting to help it set

Variations

• Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers with the beef
• Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef
• Mix cheese into the soup mixture for extra creaminess
• Add a light sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top for crunch

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days
• Reheat in the oven at 170°C (325°F) or microwave portions
• Freezes well for up to 2 months

Conclusion

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is rich, comforting, and perfect for busy days.
Simple ingredients, big flavor, and guaranteed family approval.