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Close-up of a freshly baked cheesy hamburger potato casserole in a rectangular white ceramic baking dish, showing glossy melted golden-brown cheese and slightly crispy charred edges.

The Ultimate Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

This incredibly hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole features tender sliced yellow potatoes, savory browned ground beef, and a thick creamy sauce, all baked under a bubbly, golden-brown crust of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Casserole Ingredients
  • 2 lbs yellow potatoes (900g) scrubbed and thinly sliced
  • 1 lb ground beef (450g) 80/20 preferred
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 tsp salt (10g) divided
  • 1 tsp black pepper (5g)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (5g)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (57g)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g)
  • 2 cups whole milk (480ml)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (240ml)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (225g) freshly shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (115g) freshly shredded, low-moisture
  • 2 tbsp fresh green parsley flakes (10g) finely chopped

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch Rectangular White Ceramic Baking Dish Essential for even heat distribution.
  • 1 Mandoline Slicer Ensures perfectly even, thin potato slices.
  • 1 Large Cast-Iron Skillet For browning the ground beef.

Instructions
 

Preparation and Browning
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your white ceramic baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 7-9 minutes until browned and crumbly. Season with 1 tsp (5g) of salt, the black pepper, and garlic powder. Drain excess grease.
Making the Sauce
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour constantly for 1-2 minutes until it forms a light paste.
  2. Slowly pour in the whole milk and chicken broth, whisking vigorously. Simmer until it thickens into a glossy, creamy pale-yellow sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1 tsp (5g) of salt.
Layering and Baking
  1. Arrange half the sliced yellow potatoes in the baking dish. Spread the ground beef evenly over them, followed by half the cream sauce. Top with the remaining potatoes and pour the rest of the sauce over the top.
  2. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes until the potatoes are completely tender.
  3. Remove the foil. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella completely over the top. Return to the oven uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, golden-brown, and slightly crispy at the edges.
  4. Let the casserole rest on a neutral counter for 10 minutes. Sprinkle generously with finely chopped fresh green parsley before serving.

Notes

Ensure potato slices are exactly 1/8-inch (3mm) thick for even cooking.
Always grate cheese from a block for the best melted texture.
Resting for 10 minutes allows the sauce to thicken before serving.
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