🧀 Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Food for Any Night of the Week
When the weather turns cool, or you’re simply craving a satisfying, hearty meal, few dishes hit the spot like a Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole. This classic American comfort food combines layers of savory ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and gooey melted cheese—all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re looking for a delicious family dinner, a potluck favorite, or a make-ahead meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Let’s explore how to make the best cheesy hamburger potato casserole from scratch, why this dish is beloved by so many, and how to tweak it to suit your tastes.
📌 What Is Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a one-dish oven-baked meal that layers ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy soup mixture, and cheddar cheese in a casserole dish. It’s similar to scalloped potatoes or shepherd’s pie but with fewer steps and a more indulgent cheesy twist.
This casserole is:
- 🥘 Hearty and filling
- 🧀 Cheesy and rich
- 👩🍳 Easy to assemble
- 🕒 Perfect for meal prep
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Casserole
There are many reasons this dish is a staple in home kitchens:
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters devour it.
- Budget-friendly: Made with basic pantry ingredients.
- Customizable: Add vegetables or change the cheese.
- Leftover-worthy: Tastes even better the next day.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or feeding a crowd, this casserole delivers comfort in every bite.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this delicious meal:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred for flavor)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley, green onions, or crispy bacon for topping
📝 Tip: For best results, slice your potatoes as thinly as possible—ideally 1/8 inch thick. Use a mandoline slicer if you have one!
🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
🧅 2. Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and fully cooked (about 7–9 minutes). Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika, then cook for another minute. Drain excess fat.
🥣 3. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Sour cream
- Milk
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
This mixture will help the casserole stay moist and cheesy throughout.
🥔 4. Layer the Casserole
In your baking dish, layer the ingredients as follows:
- Half the sliced potatoes
- Half the beef mixture
- Half the cheese sauce
- Sprinkle a bit of shredded cheese
Repeat for a second layer with the remaining ingredients.
⏱️ 5. Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender.
🧊 6. Let It Rest
Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley, green onions, or extra cheese if desired.
🧑🍳 Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Slice potatoes thin for faster cooking.
- Season generously—potatoes need a bit of salt and pepper to shine.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.
- Add a layer of veggies like corn, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Double the recipe and freeze one for busy nights.
🔄 Variations to Try
You can easily make this casserole your own:
- Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Veggie-packed: Mix in spinach, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Different protein: Try ground turkey, sausage, or even shredded chicken.
- Cheese swap: Use Colby Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
🍽️ What to Serve with Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs well with:
- Steamed broccoli
- Green salad with vinaigrette
- Dinner rolls or garlic bread
- Roasted carrots or asparagus
For dessert? Try something light like a fruit salad or lemon bars.
❄️ How to Store and Reheat
📦 Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions or whole for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly.
🔁 Reheating
- Microwave: Heat individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
- Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Can I use raw potatoes?
Yes, but be sure to slice them very thin. Parboiling is not necessary.
Is cream of mushroom soup required?
It adds flavor and moisture, but you can substitute with cream of chicken, cheddar soup, or a homemade béchamel sauce.
🧾 Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole – Printable Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 85 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook beef, onion, garlic with seasoning. Drain fat.
- Mix soup, sour cream, milk, and 1 cup cheese.
- Layer potatoes, beef, sauce, and cheese in a greased dish. Repeat layers.
- Cover and bake 60 mins. Uncover and bake 20–25 mins more.
- Let rest before serving. Garnish as desired.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a nostalgic, feel-good meal that’s simple to make and guaranteed to satisfy. With its creamy, cheesy layers and savory beef flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation. Whether you serve it as a main course or as a hearty side dish, you’ll be coming back for seconds.