Introduction
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—layered potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and creamy, cheesy goodness baked together until bubbly and golden. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a make-ahead meal. With simple ingredients and rich flavors, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that turns humble staples into something special.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
½ cup milk
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
2 tbsp butter (cut into small pieces)
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
Layer half the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Spread half the beef mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.
Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese. Dot the top with butter.
Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or chives.
Description
This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and hearty—every bite combines tender potatoes, savory beef, and a luscious cheese sauce. The layers bake together into a rich and comforting dish that’s both rustic and satisfying. It’s a complete meal in one pan, perfect for feeding a hungry family.
Tips
Slice potatoes evenly (use a mandoline if possible) for even cooking.
Let the casserole rest before cutting so layers hold together.
Cover with foil for most of the bake to prevent cheese from over-browning.
If you prefer saucier casserole, add an extra ½ cup milk or cream.
Shred your own cheese for best melt and flavor.
Variations
Loaded version: Add crumbled bacon, green onions, and sour cream on top.
Tex-Mex twist: Use taco seasoning in the beef and pepper jack cheese.
Vegetable boost: Layer in corn, peas, or green beans.
Creamier: Stir in sour cream or cream cheese with the soup mixture.
Make-ahead: Assemble casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Correction
A common mistake is cutting potatoes too thick, which can leave them undercooked. Keep slices thin (⅛–¼ inch). Another issue is skipping the foil cover—this can burn the cheese before the potatoes are tender. Also, avoid adding raw, fatty beef directly into the casserole; always brown and drain it first.
Enjoy
Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole hot, straight from the oven, with a side salad or steamed vegetables for balance. It’s rich, filling, and packed with flavor—a comforting dish that feels like a hug in every bite.