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Creamy Layered Potato Bake

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This comfort dish layers potatoes, beef, and cheddar cheese held together by a creamy sauce for pure deliciousness.
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Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:19:44 GMT
Close-up of a cheesy potato and beef bake with fresh parsley sprinkled on top. Save
Close-up of a cheesy potato and beef bake with fresh parsley sprinkled on top. | lilicooks.com

Grandma's Hamburger Spud Bake was originally her quick fix for hectic evenings but has evolved into our go-to soul food. The magic happens when seasoned meat, soft potatoes and gooey cheese stack together, bringing everyone to the dinner table. The smell that fills my kitchen while it cooks is absolutely wonderful.

Heartwarming Delight

The thing that makes this bake so wonderful is its ability to unite people. Each mouthful feels like a warm hug from home. I always cook more than needed so I can drop some off to friends who could use a bit of homemade goodness.

What You'll Need

  • Condensed Cheddar Soup: 1 can, creating that thick, cheesy base.
  • Garlic Powder: 1 tsp, adding a subtle hint of flavor.
  • Ground Beef: 1 lb, cooked until brown for a tasty foundation.
  • Milk: ½ cup, helping thin the sauce perfectly.
  • Russet Potatoes: 4 large, cut into thin pieces for soft layers.
  • Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, grated for that stretchy, sharp topping.
  • Evaporated Milk: 1 cup, making everything extra silky.
  • Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped small for gentle sweetness.
A creamy casserole featuring layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh parsley. Save
A creamy casserole featuring layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh parsley. | lilicooks.com

Let's Make It Together

Bake to Perfection
Wait for everything to bubble and turn golden in your oven.
Make It Saucy
Combine your creamy ingredients and drizzle over the whole dish.
Build Those Layers
Stack your potatoes beef and cheese adding spices as you go.
Cook Your Base
Get your beef and onions nice and brown to build flavor.
Get Started
Turn on your oven and get your baking dish ready for some kitchen magic.

Keep It Fresh

This dish stays tasty in your fridge for a few days and warms up great. I usually make two at once and freeze the spare for those nights when we need something warm and filling but don't have time to cook.

A baked casserole dish filled with layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, melted cheese, and garnished with fresh parsley. Save
A baked casserole dish filled with layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, melted cheese, and garnished with fresh parsley. | lilicooks.com

Make It Your Own

You can switch things up however you like. Sometimes I swap in ground turkey for something lighter or mix different cheeses depending what's in the fridge. My kids get excited when I sneak colorful veggies into the mix for extra nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This comfort dish layers potatoes, beef, and cheddar cheese held together by a creamy sauce for pure deliciousness.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this a day early?
Sure! Put it together up to 24 hours ahead, keep it cool in the fridge, and allow extra baking time if it's cold.
→ Why is ¼-inch potato slices best?
That size lets them cook evenly while staying in shape. Thinner slices might fall apart, and thicker ones won't soften enough.
→ Can I swap the cheese?
Absolutely, any cheese that melts well is fine. Try mixing different types or using Colby Jack for something new.
→ Why cover it in foil first?
The foil keeps the top from overbrowning too early while the potatoes soften. Take it off later to get that golden top.
→ How do I know it's ready to serve?
The potatoes should feel soft when tested with a knife, the sauce should bubble, and the top will look golden brown.

Layered Beef Potato Bake

A fulfilling dish made of creamy layers of seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, and potatoes in a rich sauce.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
75 min
Overall Time
90 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves (1 casserole)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

01 1 yellow onion, chopped tiny.
02 1½ pounds of ground beef.
03 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
04 ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
05 4 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick.
06 ½ cup regular milk.
07 12 oz evaporated milk.
08 10.75 oz condensed cheddar soup.
09 Salt, as much as you like.
10 Pepper, as much as you want.

Steps

Step 01

Turn on your oven to 350°F and grease a large 9x13 pan.

Step 02

Cook the beef and onion together until no longer pink, then toss out the grease. Sprinkle on salt and pepper.

Step 03

Make four layers using potatoes, the cooked beef mixture, and cheese. Sprinkle seasoning on each layer as you go.

Step 04

Whisk together the condensed soup, both kinds of milk, and garlic powder until smooth.

Step 05

Pour your sauce over the layered casserole. Cover it tightly, bake for an hour, and then uncover to bake for 15 minutes more till golden on top.

Tips

  1. Let it sit a bit before you dig in.
  2. Good for prepping ahead of time.
  3. Be sure to slice the potatoes evenly.

Required Tools

  • Large rectangular baking dish, 9x13.
  • A big skillet for cooking.

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Includes dairy (cheese, milk).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Fats: 35 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 28 g