If you love cozy, hearty meals that come together with minimal effort, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is about to become your new favorite recipe. It’s packed with layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that melts into every bite. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is pure comfort food at its finest.
I love how simple this casserole is—just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of layering, and you’ve got a meal that satisfies everyone at the table. Let’s break down why this dish is a must-make and how you can make it in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A complete meal in one dish – You’ve got protein, carbs, and gooey cheese all baked together.
- Easy, budget-friendly ingredients – Everything in this casserole is pantry-friendly and affordable.
- Perfect for leftovers – It reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal.
- Customizable flavors – Add different cheeses, veggies, or spices to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour)
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar for extra cheesiness)
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. This sauce gives the casserole its rich, creamy texture.
3. Layer the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the top.
Repeat the layers: add the remaining potatoes, the rest of the beef, the remaining cheese, and finally, the rest of the sauce.
4. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a little color and extra flavor.
My Best Tips for This Recipe
- Slice the potatoes thinly – The thinner the slices, the faster they cook and the more evenly they bake.
- Use different cheeses – A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives the best melt, but you can also try Monterey Jack or Colby.
- Try adding veggies – Bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas make great additions.
- Make it extra creamy – Swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of cheddar or make a homemade cheese sauce.
What to Serve with Hamburger Potato Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are some great sides:
- Steamed or roasted vegetables – Green beans, carrots, or broccoli pair perfectly.
- A crisp salad – A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness.
- Garlic bread – Because who doesn’t love extra carbs with their comfort food?
- Pickles or coleslaw – The tanginess helps cut through the creamy, cheesy flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking as directed.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. It’s hearty, satisfying, and so simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy dinner, this casserole delivers every time.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large potatoes, sliced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the beef, mixing well.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, cooked beef, sour cream, and milk. Mix until well combined.
- Layer half of the potato mixture in a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the potato layer.
- Add the remaining potato mixture on top, followed by the remaining cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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