If you're looking for a comforting, hearty, and delicious meal, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is exactly what you need! Layers of juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey, melted cheese combine to make this dish a family favorite. Whether you're feeding a crowd or preparing a weeknight meal, this casserole is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Keep reading to discover the full recipe, tips, and variations to make this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole your go-to dinner option!
What is Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a savory, layered dish that combines seasoned ground beef, sliced or diced potatoes, and an assortment of cheeses into one decadent meal. It’s baked in the oven until golden brown and bubbly on top, making it the ultimate comfort food. This casserole has all the elements of a classic hamburger—ground beef, cheese, and potatoes—but it’s served in a way that can be shared around the dinner table, making it a great dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Before you get started, make sure you have all of the ingredients to prepare this delicious casserole. Here's what you’ll need:
- Ground beef – 1 lb of ground beef (lean or regular, depending on preference)
- Potatoes – 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced or cubed
- Onion – 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Cheddar cheese – 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Cream of mushroom soup – 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or make your own!)
- Milk – 1 cup of milk (whole or 2%)
- Butter – 2 tablespoons butter
- Flour – 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening sauce)
- Beef broth – 1 cup beef broth (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper – To taste
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon paprika for seasoning
- Parsley – Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about casseroles is their versatility. You can tweak the recipe based on your dietary preferences or ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:
- Meat substitutes: If you prefer a leaner meat, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken. For a vegetarian version, consider using a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Different cheeses: While cheddar is classic, you can switch it up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for added flavor.
- Cream of soup alternatives: If you're not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup also works well. Or, make a homemade version using a simple béchamel sauce (butter, flour, milk).
- Add veggies: Enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, carrots, or green beans into the mix.
- Herb and spice variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the process of making this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole into simple, easy-to-follow steps. Here’s how to create this delicious dish in your own kitchen.
How to Cook Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
- Prepare the potatoes: While the beef is cooking, peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds (or cubes if preferred). You want them thin enough to cook evenly in the oven.
- Make the sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth (if using) until the mixture begins to thicken. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer the casserole: Start by placing a single layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of the cooked beef mixture on top of the potatoes, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the layered potatoes, beef, and cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest before serving: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercooked potatoes: One of the most common issues with potato casseroles is ending up with undercooked potatoes. Make sure you slice the potatoes thinly so they cook evenly and become tender within the baking time.
- Not draining the ground beef: Failing to drain the ground beef after browning it can result in a greasy casserole. Take the extra minute to drain the fat for a cleaner and more enjoyable dish.
- Overcooking the cheese: Keep an eye on the casserole during the final 15 minutes of baking to avoid overcooking the cheese. You want it melted and bubbly, not hard and crusty.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is baked to perfection, it’s time to think about how you’ll serve and present it. A few simple steps can elevate the dish and make it look as good as it tastes!
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Portion with care: This is a hearty dish, so plan on serving generous portions. You can use a large spatula to cut and serve the casserole in squares or scoop it out with a large spoon.
- Serve hot: Casseroles are best enjoyed while still hot and fresh from the oven. Make sure to serve your dish immediately after resting to retain the cheesy goodness.
- Pair with sides: This casserole pairs beautifully with a light, fresh side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the meal.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Garnish with herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives over the top adds a touch of color and freshness to the dish.
- Add a crispy topping: For an extra layer of texture, you can add a crispy topping before the final bake. Crushed Ritz crackers, French fried onions, or panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter all work wonderfully.
- Use a decorative dish: Baking and serving the casserole in a decorative or colorful baking dish can add to the visual appeal, especially if you’re serving it at a family dinner or potluck.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prep ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just cover it tightly and bake it the next day, adding a little extra time to the cooking process since it will be cold.
- Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. Prepare and bake as directed, then allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil and placing it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
- Make it healthier: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, use low-fat cheese, and opt for a lighter version of cream soup for a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen diced hash browns or potato slices to save time. Just make sure they are fully thawed and drained before layering them into the casserole.
Q: Can I make this casserole in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
Q: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
A: You can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or make a homemade sauce with butter, flour, and milk as a substitute.
Conclusion
There you have it—a delicious and satisfying Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. This comforting dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and a guaranteed hit with the whole family. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of prep, you can have this hearty casserole on the table in no time. Try it out, make it your own with variations, and enjoy the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—they’ll thank you later!
PrintCheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese. This savory casserole is easy to make and is perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. With simple ingredients and a rich, cheesy flavor, this hearty meal will satisfy everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Potatoes
- Cheddar cheese
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Onion
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet with diced onions and garlic until browned.
- Thinly slice the potatoes and set them aside.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with milk, salt, and pepper.
- In a greased casserole dish, layer potatoes, cooked beef, and soup mixture.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- You can add additional veggies like peas or carrots for variety.
- For extra creaminess, use cream cheese in the soup mixture.
- Serve with a side salad or bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
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