Cozy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort food reaches new heights with this cheesy hamburger potato casserole that combines hearty ingredients in a mouthwatering blend.

Ground beef sizzles with rich seasonings, creating depth in every single bite.

Layers of tender potatoes marry perfectly with melted cheese, forming a golden crust that promises pure satisfaction.

Crisp edges and creamy centers make this dish a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Potatoes absorb the savory flavors, while cheese adds a luxurious touch that elevates the entire meal.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein and comfort.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this delectable casserole that brings warmth and flavor to your table.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: Family-Style Comfort

• A hearty casserole that brings families together with its warm, cheesy goodness and satisfying layers of potatoes and beef.
• Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Works wonderfully as a main dish for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, offering a complete meal in one baking dish.
• Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, creating a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste.

Must-Haves For Hamburger Potato Casserole Bliss

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the casserole that provides rich protein.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the meat mixture.

• Potatoes: Creates a comforting layer that absorbs flavors and provides a soft, filling texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a creamy, golden topping that adds rich tangy flavor.
• Whole Milk, Condensed Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy sauce that binds the casserole together.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Serves as a binding agent and adds a savory background flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the casserole.

Casserole Tools To Make Prep Easy

• Skillet: Large pan for sautéing ground beef and onions.
• 13×9-inch Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking the casserole.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing potatoes.
• Sharp Knife: Used to peel and slice potatoes precisely.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for shredding cheese if not pre-shredded.
• Measuring Cups: For accurate milk and soup measurements.
• Aluminum Foil: To cover casserole during initial baking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and spreading beef mixture.

Simple Steps For Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Setup

Grab a 13×9-inch baking dish and give it a generous spray of cooking oil.

Fire up the oven to a cozy 350°F, getting ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef and diced onions into a large skillet.

Cook and stir until the meat turns a rich brown and onions become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Prep the Potatoes

Wash and peel potatoes, then slice them into thin, even rounds about 1/4 inch thick.

Keep them uniform so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Create First Potato Layer

Spread a single layer of potato slices across the bottom of the baking dish.

Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to wake up the flavors.

Step 5: Build the First Meat Layer

Scoop about one-third of the beef and onion mixture over the potatoes.

Use a spatula to distribute it evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Add Cheese Layer

Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese over the beef.

Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra flavor and stretch.

Step 7: Repeat Layering

Repeat the potato, beef, and cheese layers two more times.

Your final layer should be a blanket of cheese on top.

Step 8: Prepare Creamy Sauce

• Whole milk
• Cream of mushroom soup
• A splash of heavy cream

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 9: Pour and Cover

Slowly pour the creamy sauce over the entire casserole, making sure it seeps between the layers.

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 10: First Baking Stage

Slide the covered casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 60 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become tender and flavors to meld.

Step 11: Final Browning

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven.

Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top turns golden and cheese bubbles beautifully.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Scoop onto plates and enjoy the ultimate comfort meal.

Pro Tips For Creamy, Savory Casserole Perfection

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform 1/4-inch potato slices for consistent cooking and texture.
• Select lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease while maintaining rich flavor in the casserole.
• Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for a few minutes to prevent browning and remove excess starch.
• Mix different cheese varieties like cheddar and monterey jack for a more complex and creamy taste profile.
• Substitute regular milk with low-fat milk and use reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup to create a healthier version of the dish.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Ideas For More Flavor

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with lentils, crumbled tofu, or plant-based meat alternative for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower slices to create a lower-carbohydrate friendly option that maintains the creamy, cheesy texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this casserole safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap some cheese for pepper jack to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired variation of the classic casserole.

Serving Up Hearty Casserole Portions

• Family Movie Night Hero: Serve this comforting casserole during weekend movie marathons with soft blankets and close friends for ultimate cozy vibes.
• Potluck Party Superstar: Bring this hearty dish to neighborhood gatherings where everyone loves a classic, crowd-pleasing comfort food that feeds a crowd.
• Weeknight Dinner Champion: Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to transform this simple casserole into a complete, satisfying meal that makes busy families happy.
• Leftover Magic Maker: Reheat gently in the oven the next day for an equally delicious lunch that tastes just as good, if not better, than the first serving.

Best Storage For Cheesy Casserole Leftovers

• Seal the casserole in an airtight container or tightly wrap with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2-3 months for later enjoyment.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes for this casserole?

Yes, you can use russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes. Just make sure to slice them evenly for consistent cooking.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• What ground meat works best for this recipe?

Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or chicken can be good substitutes if you want a leaner option. The key is to choose meat with enough fat content to keep the dish flavorful.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade cheesy hamburger potato casserole delivers comfort and satisfaction in one hearty dish. Midwestern classic combines ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese for a simple, filling meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef, cooked and crumbled
• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables:

• 3.5 pounds potatoes
• 1 yellow onion, diced

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 12 ounces evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 14-ounce can cheese soup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground meat with diced onions until meat is completely cooked and no pink remains.
3. Carefully peel potatoes and slice them uniformly into thin, even rounds approximately 1/4-inch thick.
4. Create the initial foundation by arranging potato slices across the bottom of the baking dish, seasoning generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Distribute approximately one-third of the seasoned meat mixture evenly across the potato layer, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the meat, creating a rich and melty surface.
7. Repeat the layering process two more times: potatoes, meat, and cheese, constructing a hearty casserole with alternating textures.
8. Whisk together condensed soup and milk, incorporating additional salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
9. Gently pour the creamy liquid mixture over the entire casserole, allowing it to seep between layers.
10. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes in the preheated oven.
11. Remove foil and return to oven for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to develop a golden, crispy top.
12. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or monterey jack for added flavor complexity.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute condensed soup with homemade cream sauce or gluten-free cream of mushroom alternative.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 511
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 873 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg