Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (or ground chicken for a leaner option)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (can substitute with minced fresh garlic if preferred)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (or use finely chopped fresh onions for a more intense flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups milk, divided (whole milk works best, but you can use 2% or even unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (can be replaced with cornstarch for a gluten-free version)
- 4–5 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold potatoes also work well)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (red onions can be used for a milder taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (can substitute with mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a mix of cheeses for variety)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Season and Form the Hamburger Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape them into patties. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the meat tough.
Step 3: Brown the Patties
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the pan with oil and place the patties inside. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, just until browned. You do not need to cook them fully at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Once browned, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Using the same skillet with the browned bits from the meat, whisk together 1 cup of milk and the flour until smooth. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of milk, whisking continuously until a thick, smooth gravy forms. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If the gravy seems too thick, add a splash of milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
In the greased baking dish, arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer. Spread half of the sliced onions over the potatoes. Next, place the browned hamburger patties on top of the onions. Finish by layering the remaining potatoes and onions over the patties.
Step 6: Pour the Gravy and Bake
Carefully pour the prepared gravy evenly over the entire dish, making sure it seeps between the layers. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to keep the moisture in.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After an hour, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Let Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers settle and makes it easier to slice.
Notes
How to Tell if the Dish is Done
- The potatoes should be fork-tender. If a fork slides easily through the layers, they are fully cooked.
- The hamburger patties should be fully cooked through. If unsure, you can use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- The cheese should be fully melted and slightly golden on top.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
- Potatoes not fully cooked: If your potatoes are still firm after the baking time, cover the dish with foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until tender.
- Gravy too thick or too thin: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk and whisk until smooth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes before pouring over the dish.
- Cheese browning too quickly: If the cheese starts to brown too much before the dish is done, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes