When it comes to hearty, soul-warming meals, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole stands tall as a true comfort food classic. This all-in-one dish combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a luscious layer of melted cheese, creating a family favorite that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy weeknight dinner idea, this casserole delivers flavor, nutrition, and nostalgia in every bite.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making the perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips for customizing and storing leftovers. If you’re a home cook looking for a dependable dinner recipe, this one deserves a spot in your rotation.
What Is Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a layered baked dish that features ground beef, sliced or diced potatoes, cheddar cheese, and a creamy or tomato-based sauce. It’s often seasoned with onions, garlic, and herbs to enhance the savory profile. This dish is popular across American households for its ease of preparation, affordability, and incredible taste.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like potatoes, onions, and ground beef.
- One-Pan Meal: No need for multiple pots and pans. Just layer, bake, and enjoy!
- Family-Approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist melted cheese and seasoned beef.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance, then pop it in the oven when needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best cheesy hamburger potato casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
- 6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
- ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing the pan)
Optional Add-ins: green beans, corn, or chopped bell peppers for extra nutrition.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 7–10 minutes. Drain excess fat and stir in diced onions and minced garlic. Cook another 3–4 minutes until onions are translucent.
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This will create a creamy base that helps keep the casserole moist during baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
In the greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes. Spread half the ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy sauce and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese. Repeat the layers: remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
Expert Tips for the Best Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Use a Mandoline for Even Slices: Thin, uniform slices of potato cook more evenly.
- Brown the Meat Well: Proper browning builds flavor and ensures the casserole isn’t greasy.
- Add Vegetables: Sneak in diced carrots, frozen peas, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Try Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a twist.
Variations to Try
1. Tex-Mex Style
Add taco seasoning to the ground beef and layer with black beans, corn, and jalapeños. Top with pepper jack cheese.
2. Bacon Lover’s Version
Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory boost.
3. Loaded Casserole
Top with sour cream, chives, and a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for a loaded baked potato feel.
4. Vegetarian Twist
Swap beef for sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a meat-free version with all the flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
Let the casserole cool to room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or bake the full casserole at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until warmed through.
Nutritional Benefits
While Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is indulgent, it can also be nutritious when made with lean beef and added vegetables. Here’s a general idea of what one serving (about 1/8th of the casserole) contains:
- Calories: 400–500 kcal
- Protein: 25–30g
- Carbs: 35–40g
- Fat: 20–25g
- Fiber: 3–5g (with vegetables added)
For a lighter version, use ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and low-sodium soup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate it covered, and bake when ready.
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, frozen sliced potatoes or hash browns can be used. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before layering.
Q: What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella or Colby Jack for a creamier texture.
Q: How do I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade roux using gluten-free flour.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food recipe that brings warmth to the table with minimal fuss. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, packed with layers of flavor, and perfect for busy families or casual get-togethers. With endless ways to customize it, this casserole will quickly become a go-to favorite in your home.
So the next time you’re looking for a simple, filling, and delicious meal, give this casserole a try—you won’t regret it.
