Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
→ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
→ Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Brown the Beef
→ In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion 6–8 minutes, breaking into small crumbles, until no pink remains.
→ Drain most fat (leave ~1 tbsp for flavor).
3. Slice & Layer (With Love)
→ Arrange one-third of the potato slices in the bottom of the dish (slight overlap is fine).
→ Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
→ Top with one-third of the beef mixture, spreading evenly.
→ Sprinkle with ⅓ of the cheese (about ¾ cup).
→ Repeat layers two more times, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.
✅ Pro tip: Press layers gently—keeps casserole cohesive.
4. Make the Sauce
→ In a bowl, whisk cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
→ Optional: Stir in garlic powder or Worcestershire.
5. Pour & Bake
→ Pour sauce evenly over the top—let it seep down the sides.
→ Cover tightly with foil (tent slightly to avoid cheese sticking).
→ Bake 1 hour, then remove foil.
→ Bake 15–20 minutes more, until:
✓ Top is golden and bubbly
✓ Potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork
✅ Thicker slices? Add 10–15 mins. Test at 60 mins.
6. Rest & Serve
→ Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving (allows layers to set—no runny bites!).
→ Serve warm—straight from the dish or on plates with a side of crusty bread or green beans.
Tips for Perfect Casserole (Joye-Approved!)
🔸 Slice potatoes evenly. ¼-inch = even cooking. Use a mandoline or sharp knife.
🔸 Drain beef well. Excess grease = greasy casserole.
🔸 Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded contains cellulose—melts poorly.
🔸 Rest before slicing. Patience = clean layers and cohesive bites.
🔸 Say “Ready?” before serving. It’s not superstition—it’s ritual. And rituals make food taste better.
Serving Suggestions (Joye’s Favorites!)
🥖 Classic pairing: Warm buttermilk biscuits or rye bread
🥗 Bright balance: Simple green salad with apple cider vinaigrette
🍎 Midwest touch: Sliced apples or spiced applesauce on the side
🫖 Comfort finish: Hot tea, spiced cider, or cold milk
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
