Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole!!!!

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate in comforting, easy-to-make dinners. Layers of tender sliced potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef and onions, and an abundance of gooey melted cheddar cheese are bound together with a creamy cheese sauce, creating a satisfying and incredibly delicious one-dish meal that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet, add the 1 pound crumbled ground beef and 1 diced yellow onion. Cook over medium-high heat until the meat is fully browned and the onion is softened. Drain any extra grease from the skillet and set the mixture aside.

1. Prepare Potatoes: Peel the 3 to 4 pounds of potatoes and slice them into uniform rounds, about ¼-inch thick. Aim for consistent thickness so they cook evenly.
2. Layer the Casserole: Begin assembling the casserole in the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan:
   • Place one layer of sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the baking pan.
   • Sprinkle this potato layer with salt (about ⅓ tsp) and pepper (about ⅛ tsp).
   • Top with approximately ⅓ of the cooked meat and onion mixture, spreading it evenly over the potatoes.
   • Sprinkle with ⅓ of the 8 ounces (or more) shredded Cheddar Cheese.
   • Repeat this layering process two more times (potatoes, salt/pepper, meat mixture, cheese). The final layer on top should be the remaining shredded cheese.
3. Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the 1 can Cheddar Cheese soup mix, 12 ounces evaporated milk (or whole milk), and ½ cup milk. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. You can add optional salt and pepper to the sauce if desired, to taste.
4. Pour Sauce & Bake (Covered): Carefully pour the prepared soup mixture evenly over the top of the layered potatoes and beef mixture in the baking pan, ensuring the liquid seeps down into the layers. Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for one hour.
5. Bake (Uncovered): Remove the foil from the baking pan. Continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the cheese topping to get beautifully golden brown and bubbly. Note: If your potato slices are thicker than ¼ inch, you may need to bake the dish longer during the covered stage to ensure the potatoes are fully tender.
6. Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty and delicious meal!