Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole to Wow Everyone

The scent of browned beef and bubbling cheddar takes me straight back to cold Friday nights in my childhood kitchen. Mom would pull this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole from the oven, the top golden and crispy, the corners just a little burnt (the best part). It’s been making a comeback lately, and for good reasonthis one’s a hug in casserole form.

Layers of thin-sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy cheddar soup bake into something so simple, but so satisfying. It’s like your grandma’s hamburger hotdish, only a bit creamierand ready in under an hour. You’ll only need a handful of pantry staples, and there’s nothing fancy here. Just comfort, melting into every bite. Make it ahead, freeze it, reheat it. It’s the kind of dish that does the work for you.

I started making this again in early 2021, when my girls were home constantly and I needed reliable dinners fast. The first bite got a quiet “mmm” from my husbandhis version of a standing ovation! I realized if I preheat the milk mixture and slice the potatoes extra thin, everything cooks through perfectly without overbaking. After a decade of blogging and endless casserole tests, this one still earns a spot on our weeknight rotation.

Olivia Farnsworth

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: Deliciously Easy Recipe

Enjoy this comforting and easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, a perfect family meal featuring layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheddar cheese. This Hamburger Potato Bake with Cheddar Soup delivers a rich and creamy texture that’s sure to satisfy. Ideal for those craving a hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Creamy dish that’s both simple and delicious.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 8

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 5 –6 medium russet potatoes thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella optional for extra meltiness
• 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika optional
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter for greasing the dish

Method

 

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch pan with olive oil or butter.
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any fat, then stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk in a bowl, whisking until smooth.
4. Arrange half of the potato slices evenly in the prepared pan.
5. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
6. Drizzle half of the soup mixture on top, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and soup, finishing by topping with the rest of the cheddar cheese plus the mozzarella if using.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.

Notes

• For extra cheesiness, add the mozzarella cheese but it’s optional. Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food – an ooey, gooey, and incredibly cozy dish perfect for sharing with loved ones around the table. Here’s why it’s a guaranteed favorite:

• Simple Pantry Staples: Everything you need for this comforting casserole is likely already in your kitchen, meaning no special trips to the grocery store.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: With layers of tender potatoes, a creamy sauce, and melty cheese, every spoonful feels like a warm hug.
• Feeds a Crowd: Packed with hearty ground beef and generous layers, this casserole easily satisfies many hungry appetites.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and simply bake or reheat when you’re ready to serve, making it ideal for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Key Ingredients for Success

This casserole shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each bringing something special to the table:

• Ground beef (or turkey): A savory, protein-packed base for hearty flavor. Swap in lean ground turkey for a lighter touch.
• Potatoes: Russets are my go-to for their starchy creaminess. Thin slicing is key here so everything cooks evenly.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds that classic tangy cheesiness, while mozzarella (optional) boosts the gooey goodness.
• Cream of mushroom soup + milk: The secret to that velvety sauce, this mixture ties all the layers together.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and a sprinkling of paprika enhance the flavors without overpowering.

Pro Tip: Prep everything before you start layeringsave precious time and make assembly a breeze.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this cheesy hamburger potato casserole couldn’t be easier! Here’s how it all comes together:

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish with olive oil or butter.
2. Cook the beef: Brown the ground beef with the chopped onion in a skillet. Once cooked, drain the excess fat, stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika, then set aside.
3. Whisk the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with milk and whisk until smooth.
4. Layer it up: Start with half the sliced potatoes at the bottom of your prepared dish, then layer half the beef mixture, half the sauce, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar. Repeat with the remaining ingredients and sprinkle the top with mozzarella (if using).
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Pro Tip: Let the casserole rest for five minutes before serving to make slicing a snap.

Cooking & Timing Overview

Tips for Storing and Reheating

This casserole is a superstar when it comes to leftovers. Here’s how to store and enjoy it later:

• Store: Once cooled, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap in foil, then plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered, for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Pro Tip: If reheating leftovers, add a little splash of milk to keep it from drying out.

Expert Says

The CHEESY HAMBURGER POTATO CASSEROLE combines protein and complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy and satiety. Baking the casserole allows flavors to meld while ensuring even cooking, and the cheese adds both richness and calcium. Using potatoes as a base also introduces important vitamins like vitamin C and potassium to the dish.

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The Journey to the Best Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Finding the right balance for this cheesy hamburger potato casserole took me many kitchen experiments, including one batch where the sauce was too runny and another where I nearly forgot the cheese. Over time, I learned exactly how to layer flavors and textures, making this recipe a cozy, family-favorite I’m excited to share today.

FAQs ( Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
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Conclusion

After a relatively quick session in the kitchen, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole emerges from the oven bubbling, tender, and brimming with that cozy, cheesy warmth you crave. You’ll adore how the rich layers meld together, creating comfort food that truly feels like a gentle hug on a busy day.

Consider swapping ground turkey for the beef if you prefer, or simply enjoy it as is. Leftovers reheat beautifullyjust remember to add a splash of milk to maintain its creaminess, a little trick I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen. This casserole is flexible, forgiving, and designed to fit your family’s needs.

Have you cooked up similar childhood favorites or revived a family casserole? I’d love to hear your stories and see your versionsshare your photos or memories! Save this one for those nights you want homemade comfort without the fuss. Happy baking, friends.