Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

When you’re craving a satisfying, family-friendly meal that delivers pure happiness in every scoop, look no further than Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole. Imagine thin layers of velvety potatoes, seasoned beef, and bubbling cheese coming together in one rustic, heartwarming dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply want to make a meal everyone will love, this casserole’s creamy texture and golden, cheesy topping guarantee that a comforting bite is never far away.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is just how simple the grocery list is—yet each ingredient adds a touch of magic. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, plus why it matters.

• Ground beef (1 lb): Brings the savory, hearty base that makes this casserole so comforting and filling.
• Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a hint of sharpness, helping to balance out the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (5–6 medium, peeled and thinly sliced): These form the tender, creamy layers that soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts into gooey perfection, guaranteeing cheesiness in every forkful.
• Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Provides that signature creamy texture and a subtle earthy flavor.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Helps loosen the sauce and make sure everything bakes up moist and luscious.
• Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a warm boost of flavor that complements the beef and cheese beautifully.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for seasoning every layer and making those flavors sing.
• Black pepper (1/4 tsp): For a hint of gentle heat—just enough to round out each bite.
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish: Brightens up the finished dish with color and a touch of freshness.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering every ingredient and prepping your workspace for smooth sailing. Go ahead and peel, then thinly slice the potatoes—this way, they’ll bake up tender and absorb every bit of flavor. Dice the onion, measure out your cheese, and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot and ready when you are.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

Place a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are just turning translucent. Be sure to break up the meat as it cooks for a tender, even layer later. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease. This step brings out the classic flavors that anchor every bite of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole.

Step 3: Mix Together the Creamy Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined. This creamy mixture will bring all the layers together and ensure the casserole bakes up moist, savory, and ultra-flavorful.

Step 4: Build the Layers

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer half of your sliced potatoes over the bottom. Spoon half of the cooked beef and onion mixture over the potatoes, then add half of the creamy sauce and a heaping handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat those layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and just half of the remaining cheese (saving the rest for later).

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover your casserole with foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and the potatoes become perfectly fork-tender. The foil helps trap steam so every bite is soft, saucy, and full of comfort.

Step 6: Finish with More Cheese!

Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle that last glorious layer of shredded cheese across the top, and return the dish to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. Watch as the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns irresistibly golden. This is what makes Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole so entirely crave-worthy.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Let your casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set, so every serving stays neat and flavorful. If you want a pop of color (and a touch of freshness), add a sprinkling of chopped parsley over the top.

How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is classic and adds a lovely burst of green. For extra zing, try sliced green onions or a dusting of smoked paprika for a hint of color and subtle smokiness. Even a few thin rings of red pepper look gorgeous against the golden cheese on top of your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole.

Side Dishes

While this casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, it absolutely shines when paired with bright, crisp sides. Consider a zesty green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or classic buttered peas to offset the creamy richness. Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are also perfect for soaking up any cheesy sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole extra memorable? Scoop generous servings into individual ramekins for personal portions, or use a ring mold for a more upscale look. If you’re serving a crowd, try topping each portion with a fried egg or a dollop of sour cream and chives. For potlucks, let everyone spoon their own—and offer an array of toppings like jalapeños or diced tomatoes to customize each plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole keeps beautifully. Once cooled, cover your baking dish tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers, then pop them in the fridge. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for a next-day lunch that might even outshine the original dinner!

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the casserole up to the point of baking (just hold off on that final layer of cheese). Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to cook, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and finish baking as directed, adding the last of the cheese just before the end for that gooey, melty finish.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, you can warm individual servings in the microwave or pop the whole casserole back into a 350°F oven until it’s hot throughout and the cheese is bubbling again. If the casserole seems a bit dry, add a splash of milk and cover with foil while reheating to bring back its original creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate up to one day before baking. Wait to add the final cheese topping until the last 10-15 minutes of baking to keep it extra gooey and fresh.

What kinds of potatoes work best?

Both Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are fantastic choices for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole. They hold up well to baking and create that perfectly soft, almost creamy texture in every slice.

Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you don’t love mushrooms or want to switch it up, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup makes a great swap without sacrificing any creaminess. You can even make your own white sauce in a pinch!

How can I make this recipe a little healthier?

Lean ground beef or ground turkey works very well, and you can swap in low-fat cheese or soup. Adding a handful of spinach or grated carrots between the layers is a simple way to sneak in extra vegetables.

Does Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole freeze well after it’s baked?

Yes, you can freeze baked casserole portions; just be sure to let them cool completely and wrap tightly. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and reheat gently for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

If comfort food had a contest, I’m convinced Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole would take the crown every time. It’s family-approved, simple to make, and always hits the spot—even on the busiest nights. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon, and let it become a beloved staple at your table, too!

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