Are you craving a hearty, cheesy, and comforting meal that the whole family will love? Look no further! This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect combination of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese all baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Read on to discover everything you need to know to create this delicious dish, from the ingredients list to expert tips. Let's dive in and make a crowd-pleaser your new favorite!

What is a Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole?
A Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a rich and flavorful layered dish consisting of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese. The hamburger provides a savory, meaty base, while the potatoes add texture and heartiness. Cheese melts into all the ingredients, bringing everything together into a creamy, delicious bite. This dish is similar to a classic shepherd's pie or gratin but has a unique twist that emphasizes rich cheese flavors. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings people together, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
To prepare this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Use lean ground beef for a healthier option or a higher-fat content beef for extra flavor.
- Russet Potatoes (4 large): Slice thinly for even cooking.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): The sharper the cheddar, the more flavorful the dish.
- Onion (1 medium): Finely chopped for added flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Minced to enhance the taste.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing and adding richness.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce.
- Milk (2 cups): Use whole milk for creaminess, or a lighter milk option if preferred.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a slight kick and smoky flavor.
Optional Ingredients:
- Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds tanginess and richness to the sauce.
- Bacon Bits (½ cup): For an extra layer of flavor.
- Green Onions (for garnish): Chopped for a pop of color and fresh taste.
- Mushrooms (½ cup): Sautéed for an earthy addition.
Substitutions and Variations
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to fit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based meat alternatives, dairy-free cheese, and plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly version.
- Sweet Potatoes: Replace russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutritious dish.
- Different Cheeses: Swap out cheddar cheese with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses to suit your flavor preference.
- Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.
These variations can bring new life to the dish and help tailor it to your personal taste or occasion.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare the ultimate Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline or knife to ensure even cooking. Set them aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the butter and sauté the chopped onions and garlic until they are softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually add the milk, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Start with a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom, followed by a layer of cooked ground beef, then a layer of sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with the sauce.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top layer of the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let It Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
How to Cook Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the cooking process for the Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole:
- Start with the Potatoes: Thinly slice the russet potatoes so they cook evenly and become tender. You can soak them in cold water while preparing other ingredients to prevent browning.
- Season the Ground Beef: Cook the ground beef thoroughly, ensuring it’s broken into crumbles for even distribution in the casserole.
- Create the Roux: When making the sauce, take care not to burn the flour. Stirring constantly ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Layering: The key to a perfect casserole is evenly layering your ingredients to distribute flavors throughout.
- Bake Time: Covering the casserole while baking ensures that the potatoes become tender without drying out, while uncovering it toward the end lets the cheese turn golden and crispy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thick Potato Slices: If the potato slices are too thick, they may not cook evenly, resulting in a tough, undercooked texture. Keep the slices thin!
- Skipping the Sauce: The sauce is essential for binding the casserole and adding creamy richness. Don’t skip this step.
- Not Seasoning the Layers: Be sure to season each layer of potatoes and meat. Potatoes especially need seasoning to bring out their flavor.
- Overcooking the Beef: Browning the beef too much can result in dry meat. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink for best results.
- Forgetting to Drain the Beef: Failing to drain excess fat from the beef can lead to a greasy casserole.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Here’s how to make it look as good as it tastes:
- Let it Cool: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to help it set and slice cleanly.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley can add a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Side Dish Pairings: Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Serving the casserole can be just as important as cooking it. Consider cutting it into neat squares or rectangles for individual portions. This casserole is substantial enough to be the star of the meal, so it pairs beautifully with lighter side dishes, like steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Rustic Style: Serve straight from the baking dish for a warm, homey feel.
- Layer Appeal: After slicing, serve each piece on a plate to show off the beautiful layers of potatoes, beef, and cheese.
- Family Style: Garnish the entire dish with fresh herbs and let guests help themselves.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Use a Mandoline: For perfectly thin potato slices, a mandoline slicer is your best friend.
- Cheese Choice: Sharp cheddar gives a stronger flavor, but feel free to experiment with blends like Colby-Jack or Gruyere.
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
- Freeze for Later: Prepare the casserole, but stop before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen potatoes in this casserole? Yes, you can use frozen potatoes (such as hash browns or sliced potatoes), but fresh potatoes offer the best texture.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.
3. Can I add vegetables to this casserole? Yes, you can add veggies like peas, carrots, or green beans for additional nutrition.
4. How long does the casserole last in the fridge? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
5. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftover casserole portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
There you have it—a complete guide to making a mouthwatering Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole! Whether you're preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit. With layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, every bite is a warm hug of flavor. Be sure to try out the variations, and don't hesitate to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients. Ready to dig in? Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a staple in your home!
PrintCheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
This cheesy hamburger potato casserole is a hearty dish made with ground beef, layers of potatoes, and melty cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this comforting recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Diabetic
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Potatoes (sliced)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Onion (diced)
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Milk
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook ground beef with diced onions until browned; drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a casserole dish, layer sliced potatoes, cooked beef, soup mixture, and shredded cheese.
- Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add green beans or corn for extra vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
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