Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

There’s something timeless about a meat-and-potatoes dish—especially when it’s baked into a rich, creamy, cheesy casserole. This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect example of down-home comfort food done right. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheese come together in a bubbling casserole that’s as satisfying as it is nostalgic.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy for a weeknight dinner, this dish delivers every time. Even better? You can prep it ahead of time, pop it in the fridge, and reheat it later for a no-fuss meal that tastes just as amazing the next day.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this casserole is in its simplicity. Just a few everyday ingredients—ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce—transform into a hearty meal that hits all the right notes. It’s comforting, filling, and can be easily tailored to suit your family’s tastes.

Using thinly sliced potatoes creates a tender base that soaks up all the meaty flavor, while the beef adds protein and a savory element. The rich cheese sauce ties everything together, and a layer of melty cheese on top seals the deal.

What You’ll Need

Ground beef: Use lean beef for less grease, or go with ground turkey for a lighter version.

Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best; slice them thinly so they cook evenly.

Onion & garlic: Add depth of flavor to the beef.

Cream of mushroom (or homemade white sauce): Gives the casserole its creamy texture.

Milk: Helps create a pourable sauce that coats everything nicely.

Shredded cheese: Cheddar is the classic choice, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack for a kick.

Salt, pepper, and seasoning: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian herbs are all great additions.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions in a bit of oil until translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the ground beef, season with salt and pepper (and any optional spices), and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. You can also use a homemade roux-based white sauce if preferred. Add half of the shredded cheese and stir until combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of your baking dish. Spread half the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes, then pour on some of the cheese sauce. Repeat the layers: potatoes, beef, and the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 60–75 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Remove the foil for the last 10–15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubble.

Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows it to set and makes serving easier.

Tips + Tricks for the Best Casserole

Slice the potatoes thinly: Using a mandoline or food processor helps get uniform, thin slices that cook evenly.

Don’t skip seasoning: Each layer—beef, potatoes, and sauce—should be lightly seasoned so the whole casserole is flavorful.

Use a mix of cheeses: Blending sharp cheddar with creamy mozzarella or pepper jack gives it great flavor and texture.

Short on time? Par-cook the potatoes in the microwave for a few minutes before layering to reduce oven time.

Add veggies: Layer in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.

Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions

Make Ahead:
Assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for 20–30 minutes, then bake as directed.

Freezing:
This casserole freezes well, either baked or unbaked. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 90–100 minutes, or thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole with:

Steamed green beans or buttery corn on the cob for a classic pairing.

A crisp garden salad to balance the richness.

Garlic bread or dinner rolls for sopping up every last bit of cheesy goodness.

Add a drizzle of ketchup or hot sauce for a flavor twist!

Variations to Try

Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning to the beef, black beans, corn, and top with pepper jack cheese.

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Add crumbled cooked bacon and pickles before serving.

BBQ Twist: Mix a little BBQ sauce into the beef for a smoky flavor.

Final Thoughts

Few meals hit the mark like a warm, bubbly, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole straight from the oven. It’s nostalgic, satisfying, and the perfect way to feed hungry bellies with simple ingredients. With the ability to prep ahead or freeze, it’s also a meal-planner’s dream.

This casserole isn’t just a family-friendly favorite—it’s a meal that brings people together. Whether you serve it on a chilly weeknight or make a double batch to share, it’s sure to be a hit at any table.

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