Introduction
This Hearty Hamburger and Potato Bake with Cheesy Goodness is a comforting, oven-baked dish packed with layers of tender potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. With a rich, flavorful sauce made from diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, every bite is satisfying and delicious. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this casserole-style meal is easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes), then drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom, followed by half of the beef mixture. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Variations
- Cheesy Twist – For an extra cheesy experience, mix ½ cup of cream cheese into the beef mixture before layering. This adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- Spicy Kick – Love a bit of heat? Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle some pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a bold, spicy flavor.
- Veggie-Packed Version – Boost the nutritional value by adding sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the beef mixture. These veggies blend well with the flavors and make the dish more colorful and hearty.
Cooking Notes
- For extra cheesiness, add an extra ½ cup of cheese on top before the final bake.
- Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- To make this dish creamier, mix ½ cup of heavy cream into the beef broth before pouring it in.
- If you want to save time, pre-cook the potato slices for 5 minutes in boiling water to speed up baking.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Crisp Side Salad – Serve this hearty bake with a fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the greens balances the richness of the dish beautifully.
- Garlic Bread on the Side – A warm slice of buttery garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the cheesy layers and helps soak up any extra sauce for a satisfying bite.
- Topped with Sour Cream or Hot Sauce – For extra indulgence, add a dollop of sour cream on top before serving. If you love heat, drizzle some hot sauce or sriracha for a spicy contrast to the creamy cheese and beef.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes – Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they have a fluffy texture that absorbs flavors well. If you prefer a firmer bite, go for Yukon Golds.
- Make It Ahead for Easy Meal Prep – Assemble the bake up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before placing it in the oven.
- Broil for a Golden, Crispy Finish – If you want a crispier cheese topping, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, and enjoy that irresistible golden-brown crust!
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 680mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor. If using a leaner meat like turkey, consider adding a bit of extra olive oil to prevent dryness. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bake up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before placing it in the oven. - What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through. - Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Assemble the bake, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if needed.
Conclusion
This Hearty Hamburger and Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food, packed with layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients and endless variations, you can customize it to fit your taste. Try it out and enjoy a warm, homemade meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! 😊
Print
Hamburger and Potato Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Hearty Hamburger and Potato Bake with Cheesy Goodness is a comforting, oven-baked dish packed with layers of tender potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. With a rich, flavorful sauce made from diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, every bite is satisfying and delicious. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this casserole-style meal is easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes), then drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom, followed by half of the beef mixture. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, add an extra ½ cup of cheese on top before the final bake.
- Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- To make this dish creamier, mix ½ cup of heavy cream into the beef broth before pouring it in.
- If you want to save time, pre-cook the potato slices for 5 minutes in boiling water to speed up baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: hamburger potato bake, cheesy hamburger bake, ground beef casserole, beef and potato casserole, hearty comfort food, cheesy potato dish, easy baked dinner