Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Homemade Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe That Wows

Comfort meets creativity in this cheesy hamburger potato casserole that promises to satisfy your deepest hunger pangs.

Layers of golden potatoes intermingle with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this dish delivers pure magic.

Each forkful brings together hearty ingredients in a symphony of flavor.

Crispy edges and creamy centers make this casserole impossible to resist.

Families gather around the table, eagerly anticipating this soul-warming meal.

One bite will convince you that home cooking reaches its pinnacle right here.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Classic Comfort Food

  • Devour Family Comfort: A hearty casserole that brings everyone together with its rich, cheesy layers and satisfying flavors.
  • Create Minimal Mess: One-pan wonder that requires simple preparation and cleanup, making it a stress-free meal for busy home cooks.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allowing quick ingredient swaps like ground turkey, different cheese varieties, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal preferences.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Affordable ingredients combine to create a filling meal that stretches your dollar while delivering maximum satisfaction for the whole family.

Ingredients To Whip Up Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides protein and richness to the casserole.
  • Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the meat mixture.
Potato Layer:
  • Potatoes: Sliced potatoes create a comforting and substantial foundation for the casserole.
Cheese and Sauce Components:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp and creamy flavor that melts beautifully throughout the dish.
  • Condensed Cheddar Soup: Creates a smooth and creamy sauce base with intense cheese flavor.
  • Evaporated Milk, Milk: Contribute to the creamy texture and help bind the sauce together.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the meat and potatoes.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic garlic flavor to the sauce.
Baking Accessories:
  • Nonstick Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking in the baking dish.
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps cover and protect the casserole during initial baking.

How To Bake Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F (177C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Grab a large skillet and toss in:
  • Ground beef
  • Diced onion

Cook over medium-high heat until the beef turns a rich brown and loses its pink color. Shake in some salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Create Delicious Layers

Start building your casserole by placing a layer of sliced potatoes in the baking dish.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add a portion of the cooked beef and onion mixture, then top with a handful of grated cheddar cheese.

Repeat this layering process three more times, making sure everything is evenly spread out.

Step 4: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Condensed cheddar soup
  • Evaporated milk
  • Regular milk
  • Garlic powder

Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered ingredients. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 60 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and starts bubbling.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after pulling it out of the oven. This helps the layers settle, making each scoop absolutely delicious.

Dig in and enjoy your comfort food masterpiece!

Tips To Master Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp texture.
  • Cut potatoes to uniform thickness for consistent cooking and balanced layers throughout the dish.
  • Sprinkle dried herbs like thyme or parsley between layers to add depth and aromatic complexity.
  • Use sharp cheddar for more intense flavor or mix cheeses like monterey jack for a richer taste profile.
  • Assemble casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld before baking.

Variations To Try On Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Lean Protein Option: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version of the casserole.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms, using vegetable broth instead of beef drippings for added flavor.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower slices or zucchini rounds to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy, cheesy texture.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired casserole.

Pairing Suggestions To Serve With Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • – Uncork a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon to cut through the rich, cheesy casserole and complement its hearty beef flavors. The wine's tannins will balance the creamy potato layers perfectly.
  • – Create a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to contrast the heavy casserole. Add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon-dijon dressing to provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.
  • – Select a medium-bodied amber ale or lager that can stand up to the casserole's robust profile. The beer's maltiness will harmonize with the beef and potatoes while cutting through the rich cheese sauce.

Storage Tips To Keep Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before transferring to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the top layer.

FAQs

  • Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes. Just slice them uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture.

  • How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

Use starchier potato varieties and slice them about 1/4 inch thick. This helps maintain their structure during baking and prevents them from becoming too soft.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats well and can be prepared in advance. You can assemble it the night before and bake it when ready to serve.

  • Can I make this casserole healthier?

Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey, use low-fat cheese, and choose reduced-sodium condensed soup to create a lighter version of the dish.

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Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables with its irresistible layers of ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese. Warm, satisfying layers promise a delicious meal that you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms) russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch pieces

Dairy and Seasonings:

  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 (10.75-ounce/305 grams) can condensed cheddar soup
  • 1 (12-ounce/340 grams) can evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (177C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Brown ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat until meat is fully cooked. Eliminate excess grease and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Create alternating layers in the baking dish: spread potato slices as the base, followed by seasoned beef mixture, then sprinkle cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering process four times to ensure even distribution.
  4. Craft the cheese sauce by thoroughly blending condensed cheddar soup, evaporated milk, regular milk, and garlic powder in a separate bowl until completely smooth.
  5. Drench the layered ingredients with the prepared cheese sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  6. Bake covered for 60 minutes at 350F. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the surface turns golden and develops a bubbling texture.
  7. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving, which helps stabilize the layers and enhances serving consistency.

Notes

  • Boost flavor by sautéing onions until caramelized before mixing with ground beef for deeper, richer taste profile.
  • Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist that adds natural sweetness and extra vitamins.
  • Use lean ground turkey or chicken as healthier protein alternatives without compromising the casserole’s hearty texture.
  • Customize cheese blend by mixing sharp cheddar with monterey jack or gruyere for more complex, multilayered cheese experience.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 438 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 590 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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