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Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

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A comforting American classic that perfectly marries savory, browned ground beef with tender Yukon Gold potatoes in a rich, velvety cheddar sauce. This one-dish meal utilizes Maillard browning and carefully controlled starch gelatinization to create a dish that is deeply flavorful and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, it yields a golden-brown gratinee finish that is sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Ground Beef (85/15 ratio)
2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into half-inch cubes
1 cup Cheddar cheese, hand-shredded
1/2 cup Whole milk
1/4 cup Yellow onion, finely diced
1 tsp Smoked paprika

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Peel and dice the potatoes into uniform half-inch cubes for even cooking.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions, ensuring a deep sear to develop flavor.
Stir in the smoked paprika during the final minute of browning.
Transfer the beef mixture into a glass or ceramic casserole dish.
Add the diced potatoes to the dish and toss to combine with the beef.
Pour the milk over the mixture.
Top evenly with the shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake for 45 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Notes

Hand-shredding the cheese is highly recommended as pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that interfere with proper melting and emulsion. Ensure potato pieces are uniform in size to guarantee that they cook through perfectly alongside the beef.