Creamy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Hearty home cooking reaches new heights with this cheesy hamburger potato casserole that promises comfort in every single bite.

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

Families adore this simple yet satisfying meal that comes together quickly in one pan.

Weeknight dinners demand something delicious and uncomplicated, and this recipe delivers exactly what you need.

Crispy edges and creamy centers make each serving irresistible and memorable.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the rich, melted goodness that binds everything together.

You’ll want to dig into this classic dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Steps To Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and create easy cleanup.

Step 2: Brown Savory Beef Mixture

Cook ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper while breaking down beef into small pieces. Continue cooking until meat turns completely brown with no pink remaining. Drain away excess fat.

Step 3: Create Tasty Ingredient Layers

• Cooked beef mixture
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Repeat these layers four times to ensure every bite has maximum flavor.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Sauce

• Condensed cheddar soup
• Evaporated milk
• Regular milk
• Garlic powder

Blend until smooth and uniform.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Pour sauce evenly across layered ingredients. Cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 60 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking 15 more minutes until top turns golden and sauce bubbles deliciously.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Allow casserole to rest for several minutes after removing from oven. This helps layers settle and makes serving easier. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Helpful Tips For Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove all excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Layer Potatoes Uniformly: Slice potatoes evenly and arrange in consistent layers for balanced texture and even cooking throughout the casserole.
• Choose Quality Cheese: Use freshly grated cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and richer flavor profile.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk soup and milk mixture carefully to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats ingredients perfectly.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to help layers stabilize and make cutting and serving easier.

Fun Ways To Change Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower for a lower-carb version that maintains the creamy, cheesy texture of the original casserole.
• Vegetarian Bean Bake: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils, using vegetable broth instead of beef drippings for a protein-packed meatless alternative.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Dish: Use gluten-free condensed soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to create a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Casserole: Add diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Sides That Match Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light, tangy salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy potato casserole.
• Complement with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance the savory beef and cheese flavors, creating a robust dining experience.
• Match with Crunchy Pickled Vegetables: Serve quick-pickled cucumbers or pickled onions on the side to provide a sharp, acidic contrast that balances the casserole's creamy texture.
• Refresh with Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a hoppy IPA or a smooth amber ale to cleanse the palate and complement the hearty, cheesy dish with its crisp carbonation.

How To Store Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Properly

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap completely cooled casserole in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before reheating. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated thoroughly. Add extra cheese on top for crispy texture.

FAQs For Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat work great as substitutes for beef in this casserole.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and reduced-sodium condensed soup to cut down on calories and fat content.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

• What side dishes pair well with this casserole?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement this hearty dish perfectly, adding freshness and balance to the meal.

Why Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Is So Filling

• Craft a Hearty Comfort Meal: Perfect for families craving a satisfying and filling dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Layer ingredients quickly and let the oven do the hard work, creating a delicious one-dish meal with minimal prep and cleanup.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, add extra vegetables, or experiment with different cheese varieties to match your taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Designed to feed a hungry group, this casserole scales beautifully for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prep with leftovers that taste even better the next day.

What You’ll Need For Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Potatoes: Sliced potatoes create a comforting base layer with a satisfying texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds creamy richness and tangy flavor.

• Condensed Cheddar Soup, Evaporated Milk, Milk: These ingredients combine to create a smooth, creamy sauce that binds the casserole together.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Onion, Salt, Black Pepper: These ingredients provide depth of flavor and help season the ground beef and potato layers.
• Nonstick Spray: Ensures the casserole doesn't stick to the baking dish and helps with easy serving.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 95 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy hamburger potato casserole, a hearty one-dish meal that combines ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese. Guaranteed to satisfy hungry families, this simple casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 yellow onion (finely diced)
• 4 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and sliced into ¼-inch pieces)

Dairy and Seasonings:

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

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Sauté ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking meat into crumbles and seasoning with salt and pepper until beef browns completely. Drain excess fat.
3. Create initial potato layer across bottom of baking dish, sprinkling with salt and pepper.
4. Construct strategic layers: spread beef mixture over potatoes, then generously sprinkle cheddar cheese. Repeat layering process three additional times to ensure balanced ingredient distribution.
5. Whisk condensed cheddar soup, evaporated milk, regular milk, and garlic powder in separate bowl until mixture transforms into smooth, creamy sauce.
6. Cascade sauce evenly across layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Seal dish tightly with aluminum foil, then bake for 60 minutes at 350°F.
8. Remove foil and continue baking for 15 more minutes until cheese develops golden-brown crust and sauce bubbles vigorously.
9. Extract casserole from oven and allow 5-7 minutes resting time, enabling layers to stabilize and simplify serving process.

Notes

• Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for healthier protein alternatives.
• Enhance potato texture by partially boiling sliced potatoes before layering to reduce overall baking time and ensure tender, creamy consistency.
• Create dairy-free version using lactose-free cheese and coconut milk-based condensed soup substitute for individuals with dietary restrictions.
• Boost nutritional value by adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini between potato and beef layers for extra nutrients and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg