Side Dishes
Betty Crocker's scalloped potatoes with hamburger deliver the ultimate one-pan comfort dish—creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ground beef. This classic recipe transforms simple ingredients into a golden, bubbly casserole that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
The secret lies in layering thinly sliced potatoes with perfectly seasoned beef and a rich cheese sauce that creates that signature crispy top.
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity—just a few staples come together to create restaurant-quality results without the fuss. You'll start with browned ground beef seasoned with classic spices, then build layers of potatoes, cheese, and a velvety cream sauce.
Baking at the right temperature ensures tender potatoes with a golden crust that's impossible to resist.
What you'll end up with is a hearty, cheesy casserole that's perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The combination of tender potatoes, flavorful beef, and melted cheese creates a dish that's both satisfying and comforting.
It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Ready in about 45 minutes, this recipe delivers the kind of homestyle comfort that makes it worth every minute. Whether you're feeding a crowd or prepping for the week, this Betty Crocker-inspired dish never fails to impress. Let's get started!
Ingredients for betty crocker scalloped potatoes and hamburger
Simple staples create the ultimate cheesy, beefy one-pan comfort dish everyone will crave.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef 🥩 | 1 lb | Lean or regular, browned and drained |
| Yellow Onions 🧅 | 1 medium | Diced into small pieces |
| Russet Potatoes 🥔 | 2 lbs | Thinly sliced, peeled preferred |
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | ¼ cup | For thickening sauce |
| Milk 🥛 | 1 cup | Whole milk preferred |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese 🧀 | 1 ½ cups | Shredded, aged preferred |
| Butter 🧈 | ½ cup | Unsalted, melted |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 2 cloves | Minced for flavor |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 ½ tsp | Kosher or sea salt |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground |
| Ground Mustard 🧅 | ½ tsp | For depth of flavor |
| Worcestershire Sauce 🍶 | 1 tbsp | For umami richness |
| Bacon 🥓 | 4 oz | Crumbled, optional topping |
The ground beef is the foundation—80/20 lean-to-fat ratio gives the best flavor and texture. Brown it thoroughly in a skillet before adding to the casserole; this step develops deep, savory notes that carry through baking. Costco or Walmart typically carry bulk packages at good prices, and their pre-ground beef is perfectly consistent. For extra richness, season with smoked paprika alongside the salt and pepper while browning. The onions should be diced small enough to disappear into the dish, not just add texture—think fine brunoise style if you're feeling fancy.
No sharp cheddar? Monterey Jack or Colby melts beautifully and won't overpower the dish. Running short on milk? Half-and-half or heavy cream works perfectly for the sauce, though the texture will be slightly richer. The potatoes are non-negotiable—Russets are essential for their starchy texture and ability to crisp up. If you can't find them, Yukon Golds are your second choice, though they'll be less crispy. The bacon topping is optional but recommended; Trader Joe's sells pre-cooked bacon bits that save time without sacrificing flavor. For a vegetarian twist, swap the beef for crumbled sausage or lentils, though the dish loses some of its classic character.
This casserole reheats beautifully—350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months. For meal prep, assemble the dish in a glass baking dish (it reheats better than metal) and bake as directed. The cheese sauce thickens as it cools, so you may need to stir in a splash of milk when reheating. Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld together—perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Magic: I swear by this recipe when I’m too tired to wash dishes. The ground beef and onions brown right in the same pan where the potatoes bake—minimal chopping, zero stress, and one sheet pan that’s basically self-cleaning.
- Rich, Savory Depth: That flour-milk slurry? It’s the secret weapon. It turns the beef into a tender, slightly crispy topping while soaking into the potatoes like a creamy hug—no heavy cream needed, just pure, satisfying flavor.
- Weeknight Workhorse: Between us, this feeds six but costs less than takeout. Double the batch, and you’ve got tomorrow’s lunch covered—just reheat and serve. My college-aged kids actually ask for leftovers.
- Budget-Friendly Powerhouse: Russets are cheap, ground beef stretches far, and you’re not sacrificing taste. I’ll be real: this is the kind of dish that makes grocery day feel like a win, especially when it disappears faster than my willpower on a bad day.
Step-by-step instructions for Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes and hamburger
This classic one-pan dish delivers hearty comfort with minimal effort—rich beef sauce layered with crispy potatoes and melted cheese.
Brown and Season the Ground Beef
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it loses its raw color and begins to brown—this should take about 5-7 minutes. The beef is ready when it releases easily from the pan and no longer looks pink in the center.
Drain any excess fat, then add the 1 medium diced yellow onions and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the 2 minced garlic cloves, 1.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, 0.5 tsp ground mustard, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors—this forms the savory base for your dish.
Prepare the Cheesy Potato Layers
Peel and thinly slice the 2 lbs russet potatoes (about ¼-inch thick) for even cooking. In a bowl, whisk together the 0.25 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup milk, and 0.5 cup melted butter until smooth. This creates a creamy binder that prevents soggy potatoes.
Layer half of the potato slices in the skillet over the beef mixture, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle ¾ cup of the sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the potatoes, then repeat with another layer of potatoes and the remaining cheese. The cheese will melt into a luscious sauce as it bakes, creating that signature scalloped texture.
Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, until the top is deep golden brown and the edges bubble vigorously. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheese should be fully melted with a glossy finish.
If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent burning. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end—just watch closely to avoid over-browning. The bacon can be crumbled on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for added richness.
Rest and Serve Warm
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to scoop without losing the creamy sauce. The potatoes should be fork-tender with a crispy exterior, and the cheese should coat every bite.
Serve immediately with a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad. The combination of savory beef, creamy potatoes, and sharp cheddar makes this a satisfying weeknight meal that feels like a restaurant favorite. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave, though fresh is always best!
Pro Tips For Making Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes And Hamburger
- Pre-Cook the Beef: DESCRIPTION:
- Slice Potatoes Thin: DESCRIPTION:
- Layer Tightly, But Not Wet: DESCRIPTION:
- Cover Early, Uncover Late: DESCRIPTION:
Creative variations of betty crocker scalloped potatoes and hamburger
Cheesy Bacon Twist
Swap the ground beef for 8 oz cooked bacon crumbled into the skillet alongside the onions. Add 1 tbsp bacon fat to the flour-butter-milk mixture for extra richness.
Top with 2 tbsp crispy bacon bits during the last 5 minutes of baking—this adds smoky depth and a satisfying crunch that contrasts the creamy potatoes. 🥓
Creamy Mushroom Upgrade
Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the onions until golden, then deglaze the pan with 2 tbsp white wine before adding the beef. Stir in 1 tsp dried thyme to the flour mixture for an earthy, savory note.
The mushrooms add umami complexity that pairs beautifully with the cheddar. Use cremini mushrooms for deeper flavor or shiitake for a meaty texture.
Spicy Southwest Style
Add 1 tsp chili powder and ½ tsp cumin to the beef seasoning, then stir in ½ cup black beans with the onions. Top with ½ cup salsa and ¼ cup sour cream after baking.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for a crispy contrast. This version transforms the dish into a cheesy, spicy Tex-Mex casserole.
Lighter Greek Version
Replace the cheddar with 1 cup crumbled feta and ½ cup grated Parmesan, then stir 1 tsp dried oregano into the flour mixture. Add ½ cup chopped kalamata olives with the onions and top with ¼ cup crumbled feta during the last 5 minutes.
Serve with a side of tzatziki for dipping—this Mediterranean twist keeps the comfort while adding bright, tangy flavors.
Breakfast Hash Twist
Add ½ cup cooked breakfast sausage (or chorizo) to the beef, and stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika to the flour mixture. Top with 2 fried eggs during the last 5 minutes of baking—the runny yolks create a decadent breakfast-for-dinner experience.
Garnish with chopped chives and a dash of hot sauce for a fun, unexpected morning-meal vibe.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
Replace the all-purpose flour with ¼ cup gluten-free flour blend (like Bob's Red Mill 1:1) and add 1 tbsp cornstarch to the milk-butter mixture for thickening. Use gluten-free cheddar (like Green Valley Organics) to avoid cross-contamination.
The texture stays creamy, but the crust will be slightly less crisp—broil for 2 extra minutes** at the end to compensate. 🌱
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this dish with ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly—just use 1 lb lean turkey and add 1 extra teaspoon of salt to compensate for its milder flavor. For extra richness, stir in 1 tablespoon of chicken broth with the onions. The texture will be slightly lighter but just as satisfying.
Why did my scalloped potatoes turn out soggy?
Soggy potatoes usually happen when the layers aren't thin enough or the dish isn't baked long enough. Always slice potatoes ¼-inch thick and bake until the center reaches 200°F. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Pre-cooking the potatoes for 5 minutes in boiling water also helps remove excess moisture before layering.
Can I prepare this ahead of time for meal prep?
Assemble the dish in a glass baking dish (not metal) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if starting cold. For freezing, bake first, then cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat covered at 350°F for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
What's the best way to slice potatoes for even cooking?
Use a mandoline slicer set to ¼-inch thickness for perfect uniformity. If slicing by hand, work quickly over a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. Pat slices dry before layering to avoid a watery sauce. For extra crispiness, parboil potatoes for 3 minutes first to remove excess starch.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, but with adjustments! Layer potatoes and beef in a 6-quart slow cooker, then pour the sauce mixture over the top. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, then broil for 5 minutes to create a crispy top. The texture will be creamier but less crisp than oven-baked. Stir in 1 extra tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce during cooking.