If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines hearty flavors and cheesy goodness, look no further than this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole! This dish is packed with layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and lots of melted cheese. It's a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave something warm and satisfying. Keep reading to discover how to make this easy, cheesy casserole that's sure to become a family favorite!
What is Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a baked dish that blends simple yet delicious ingredients like ground beef (hamburger), potatoes, and cheese in a casserole format. It's a layered meal that offers a perfect balance of protein, starch, and creamy cheese, with each bite filled with a rich and hearty taste. The dish is versatile, allowing for different variations and substitutions to suit your tastes, making it a staple in many kitchens.
Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow the detailed instructions, and you'll have a perfect casserole every time.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
For the main ingredients, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for the right fat-to-lean balance)
- 4-5 medium russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (you can also mix in other types of cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack)
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup, for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup milk (to help blend the soup into a smooth sauce)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for a slight kick and color)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the beef)
- 1 tablespoon butter (to grease the baking dish)
Optional Ingredients
- Sour cream or cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
- Bacon bits (for an added smoky flavor)
- Chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)
- Crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping)
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of a casserole is how adaptable it is. If you don’t have all the ingredients or want to change things up, here are some ideas:
- Meat Substitution: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Potato Options: Feel free to swap russet potatoes for Yukon gold or sweet potatoes to add a sweeter taste to the casserole.
- Cheese Varieties: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can use any cheese that melts well. Gouda, Swiss, or a Mexican blend would work perfectly.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup Substitute: If you prefer not to use canned soups, you can make a homemade sauce using flour, butter, milk, and seasonings to create a creamy base.
- Add Vegetables: Add layers of veggies such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach to increase the nutritional value.
These variations allow you to adjust the recipe to your liking or based on what's available in your kitchen, ensuring that your casserole is always a hit no matter what you have on hand.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to assemble and bake your cheesy hamburger potato casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Prepare the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. If you have a mandolin slicer, this will make the process quicker and more uniform. Soak the potato slices in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. If you’re adding sour cream or cream cheese, stir that in as well for extra creaminess.
- Layer the Casserole: In your prepared baking dish, start with a layer of sliced potatoes, overlapping slightly. Follow with a layer of cooked ground beef, then sprinkle a portion of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to let the cheese melt and become golden and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to cut into neat squares.
How to Cook Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a simplified guide to ensure you don’t miss a step when making this cheesy, savory delight:
- Brown the ground beef: Sauté onions, garlic, and ground beef until fully cooked.
- Slice the potatoes: Thin, even slices will ensure the potatoes cook thoroughly.
- Make the creamy sauce: Whisk together canned soup, milk, and any extra creaminess like sour cream.
- Layer the ingredients: Start with potatoes, then beef, sauce, and cheese. Repeat!
- Bake and finish: Bake covered, then uncover for the cheese to brown. Let rest before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a straightforward casserole like this has some potential pitfalls. Avoid these mistakes to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
- Not slicing the potatoes thinly enough: Thick potato slices can remain undercooked in the center. Aim for ¼-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season each layer with salt and pepper, especially the potatoes. This ensures the flavors are well distributed.
- Using too much liquid: While it might be tempting to add more sauce, excess liquid can make the casserole soupy rather than creamy. Stick to the recipe proportions.
- Forgetting to let the casserole rest: Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking can result in messy, runny portions. Allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes to firm up.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When serving this casserole, it's all about making it look as appetizing as it tastes. A few simple tips can make a difference in presentation:
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Slice into squares or wedges: Use a sharp knife to cut clean portions of the casserole and use a spatula to serve.
- Serve with a side salad: A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables can complement the richness of the casserole.
- Offer condiments: Set out sour cream, hot sauce, or ketchup for those who like extra toppings.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Garnish with herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top of the casserole for a pop of color.
- Add texture on top: For extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs before baking the final 15 minutes.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make it ahead: You can assemble this casserole a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve.
- Double the recipe: For larger gatherings, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during baking, but you can also use Yukon gold for a creamier texture.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Try adding layers of mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce with gluten-free flour.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect solution for a hearty, satisfying meal that brings comfort to the table. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and ooey-gooey cheese, every bite is a taste of home. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it with substitutions and variations, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try for your next family dinner, and we guarantee it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!
PrintCheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
This cheesy hamburger potato casserole recipe combines hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese for a comforting, satisfying meal. It's an easy-to-make, family-friendly dinner packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of potatoes and beef, topped with a rich cheesy sauce, make this dish irresistible. Keywords: Cheesy hamburger potato casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Milk
- Butter
- Flour
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the ground beef with onions in a skillet. Drain excess fat.
- Thinly slice potatoes and layer half in the dish.
- Layer beef mixture over potatoes, then add the rest of the potatoes.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, milk, salt, and pepper to make a sauce. Stir until thickened.
- Pour the sauce over the casserole and top with shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Add your favorite seasonings to the beef for extra flavor.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650 mg
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