If you're looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish, this Savory Cheeseburger Potato Casserole is just the ticket. It's the perfect marriage of hearty beef, cheesy goodness, and tender potatoes. Whether it's for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering, this casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ground beef forms the hearty base of the casserole, providing that essential savory flavor. Thinly sliced potatoes give the dish its comforting, starchy layer, soaking up the savory juices. Onion and garlic bring depth and aroma, essential for building flavor. Cheddar cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible topping. Cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess and binds the ingredients together. Milk thins the soup for a more pourable sauce. Salt and black pepper season the dish perfectly. Olive oil is used for sautéing, adding richness. Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy, umami punch that enhances the beef.
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad on the side to balance the richness. A tangy vinaigrette can complement the creamy and cheesy nature of the dish. For a more robust meal, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a warm bread roll to soak up any extra sauce.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it's ready to go when you are. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3–4 minutes.
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring it's browned evenly. This should take another 5–7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, mixing everything well to combine these flavors.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth, then add the cooked beef mixture to the bowl. Mix thoroughly so every bite will have that savory, creamy taste.
Now, it's time to assemble the casserole. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle one cup of cheddar cheese over this layer. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese on top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake it for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to turn golden and bubbly. Once done, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set a bit and makes serving easier.