Farmhouse Hamburger and potato bake

Farmhouse Hamburger and Potato Bake: A Comforting Classic

Nothing says home-cooked comfort like a warm, hearty casserole straight from the oven. This Farmhouse Hamburger and Potato Bake combines the simplicity of everyday ingredients with big flavors, making it a family favorite for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese, it’s the ultimate one-dish wonder.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples to create a filling meal.
Kid-Approved: A cheesy, hearty dish that everyone at the table will devour.
Customizable: Easily adapt with different veggies or cheeses to suit your preferences.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or freezer storage.

Ingredients

For the Bake

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp butter, melted

Optional Add-Ins

1 cup frozen peas or corn
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1/2 cup cooked bacon bits

How to Make Farmhouse Hamburger and Potato Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned.
Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Stir in smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. If adding bell peppers or bacon, toss them in now.

Step 3: Layer the Dish

Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish.
Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
Layer the remaining potatoes on top.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, melted butter, and a pinch of salt.
Pour the mixture evenly over the potatoes and beef layers.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Farmhouse Hamburger and Potato Bake with:

A crisp green salad
Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables
Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread

Tips for Success

Slice Evenly: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly for uniform cooking.
Boost Flavor: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef for an extra savory kick.
Cheese Variety: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a combination for unique flavor profiles.

Why This Dish is a Winner

This Farmhouse Hamburger and Potato Bake brings everything you love about comfort food into one dish. The creamy, cheesy layers of potatoes and beef are both hearty and satisfying, while the smoky paprika and thyme add depth to the flavors. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate!

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Freezing: Freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious, this Farmhouse Hamburger and Potato Bake is a must-try. It’s the perfect blend of savory, cheesy goodness with the nostalgic taste of home cooking. Try it tonight and watch it become a new family favorite!