Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Savory Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this cheesy hamburger potato casserole that brings hearty flavor to your dinner table.

Layers of tender potatoes mingle with seasoned ground beef in a mouthwatering blend.

Melted cheese creates a golden, crispy top that signals pure deliciousness ahead.

Each forkful promises rich, satisfying taste that warms you from the inside out.

The combination of simple ingredients delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

This crowd-pleasing dish transforms ordinary weeknight meals into something special.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Variations And Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce using cornstarch, milk, and seasonings for celiac-friendly option.
  • Vegetarian Potato Bake: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms, using vegetable broth instead of beef drippings for hearty meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining creamy, cheesy casserole texture.
  • Mediterranean Style: Add diced bell peppers, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and sprinkle with oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Ways To Serve Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Family Feast Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with crisp green salad for fresh contrast and balanced nutrition.
  • Comfort Side Kick: Serve warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up delicious cheesy sauce and complete the meal.
  • Veggie Boost Buddy: Add steamed broccoli or roasted mixed vegetables on the side to increase meal's nutritional value and color variety.
  • Brunch Transformation: Enjoy leftovers topped with a sunny-side-up egg for a delicious morning breakfast twist that repurposes the casserole.

Storage Tips For Potato Casserole Leftovers

  • Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container or tightly cover the baking dish with plastic wrap, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap the casserole securely in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container, storing it for up to 2-3 months with minimal flavor loss.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or lamb work great as substitutes for beef in this casserole.

  • Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! It uses simple, affordable ingredients like potatoes, ground beef, and cheese, making it an economical meal for families.

  • How can I make this casserole healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and a reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup to create a lighter version of the dish.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, which makes it perfect for meal prep.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Standout Flavors

  • Craft Hearty Comfort: A soul-warming dish packed with layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
  • Quick Family Pleaser: Super simple recipe requiring minimal prep work and basic ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when everyone craves something delicious and satisfying.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable pantry staples and inexpensive protein, delivering maximum flavor without breaking the bank and feeding multiple hungry mouths with one pan.
  • One-Dish Wonder: Eliminates multiple cooking steps and cleanup hassles by combining proteins, vegetables, and cheese in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen work and maximizing convenience.

Ingredients For Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the main savory layer of the casserole.
  • Onions: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the meat base.
Potato Layer:
  • Potatoes: Provides a comforting, starchy foundation that makes the casserole filling and satisfying.
Dairy and Sauce Components:
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts into a creamy, golden topping that adds rich flavor and texture.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a smooth, creamy sauce that binds the ingredients together.
  • Milk: Helps to thin the soup and create a more fluid sauce for the casserole.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Prep Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat your oven to a toasty 350°F, getting ready for a delicious comfort meal that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef with onions in a large skillet, breaking the meat into small crumbles.

Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and tasty.

Ingredients for this step:
  • Ground beef
  • Diced onions

Step 3: Create the First Layer

Grab a greased baking dish and spread out a beautiful base of sliced potatoes, creating the foundation of your mouthwatering casserole.

Step 4: Add the First Beef Layer

Generously distribute half of the cooked beef mixture over the potato layer, ensuring even coverage.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Cheese

Shower the beef with a delightful cascade of shredded cheese, adding that irresistible melty goodness.

Step 6: Build the Second Layer

Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef, and another generous sprinkle of cheese.

Step 7: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a velvety sauce.

Step 8: Pour the Sauce

Carefully pour the creamy mixture over the entire casserole, making sure it seeps into all the delicious layers.

Step 9: Bake Covered

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for a full hour, allowing all the flavors to mingle and merge.

Step 10: Final Crispy Touch

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that signal it’s ready to devour.

Pro Tips For Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Choose ground beef with 85% or 90% lean meat to reduce excess grease and create a healthier casserole without compromising flavor.
  • Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes uniformly, ensuring consistent cooking and preventing undercooked or overcooked sections.
  • Opt for low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and reduce added salt to manage overall dish saltiness and accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Add diced bell peppers, carrots, or spinach between layers to boost nutritional value and introduce extra texture and color to the casserole.
  • Try mixing different cheeses like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere to create a more complex and rich flavor profile.
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Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table with layers of ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese. This satisfying one-dish meal promises to delight you with its rich, savory goodness and simple, home-style charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Starches:

  • 4 cups sliced potatoes
  • 1 medium onion, diced

Dairy and Sauce:

  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 350°F, ensuring a perfectly heated cooking environment.
  2. In a skillet, sauté ground beef with onions until meat browns thoroughly, then drain excess grease completely.
  3. Create the first foundational layer by arranging potato slices across the bottom of a greased baking dish.
  4. Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the potato base.
  5. Generously scatter shredded cheese across the beef layer to create a melty foundation.
  6. Construct a second tier by adding remaining potato slices over the cheese.
  7. Top the potato layer with the remaining beef mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  8. Sprinkle another generous layer of cheese across the top.
  9. Whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk, incorporating salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
  10. Carefully pour the creamy mixture uniformly over the entire casserole, allowing liquid to seep between layers.
  11. Securely cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture during initial baking.
  12. Bake for 1 hour, maintaining consistent temperature.
  13. Remove foil for final 15-20 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy surface with bubbling cheese edges.

Notes

  • Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
  • Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture and even cooking throughout the dish.
  • Replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher, less processed alternative.
  • Try different cheese combinations like cheddar and mozzarella for more complex flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 475 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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