Layered Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

The Best Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Ever Made

Whipping up a delectable cheesy hamburger potato casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Potatoes create a creamy foundation while ground beef adds robust flavor and protein.

Melted cheese blankets each layer with irresistible richness that makes mouths water instantly.

Sharp cheddar and tender meat mingle beautifully beneath a golden-brown surface.

Home cooks adore how quickly this casserole comes together with minimal preparation.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience pure culinary magic.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole That Satisfies

  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward ingredients make this dish a go-to solution for busy families craving a delicious, filling meal.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Kids and adults alike will love the classic flavor combination of meat, potatoes, and melted cheese, making it perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, stretching your grocery budget without compromising on taste or satisfaction.

Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.
Vegetables:
  • Onion: Adds a savory depth and aromatic flavor to the ground beef.
  • Potatoes: Creates a comforting layer that absorbs the creamy sauce and provides a satisfying texture.
Dairy and Sauce Components:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a gooey, rich topping that adds creamy and tangy notes to the casserole.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Serves as a creamy binding sauce that brings all ingredients together.
  • Milk: Helps to thin the soup and create a smooth, rich sauce.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Preparation Components:
  • Foil: Used to cover the casserole during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How to Bake Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

How to Bake Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F, getting ready for a mouthwatering comfort food adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle and Sear the Beef

Grab a skillet and transform ground beef with diced onions into a golden, flavorful base.

Let the excess grease drain away for a lighter dish.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Sauce

Whisk together in a mixing bowl:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Milk
  • Butter

Creating a silky, rich sauce that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 4: Build Delicious Layers

In a baking dish, craft beautiful layers of:
  • Thinly sliced potatoes
  • Seasoned beef
  • Shredded cheese

Pour the creamy sauce evenly across the top, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 1 hour, then remove the foil for an additional 15 minutes.

Watch as the top turns golden and the edges become irresistibly crispy and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out this bubbling masterpiece and serve immediately.

Watch as family and friends dive into this ultimate comfort food that combines hearty beef, creamy sauce, and cheesy potatoes.

Pro Secrets for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Remove as much fat as possible from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
  • Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes evenly, guaranteeing consistent cooking and a more professional-looking result.
  • Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the beef and potato layers for enhanced flavor depth and more complex taste profile.
  • Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a keto-friendly version that maintains the casserole's comforting essence.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere to create unique flavor variations.

Variations on Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of milk for added flavor.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates. Maintain the same cheese and soup mixture for a keto-friendly alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Choose cornstarch or gluten-free flour if thickening is needed.
  • Greek-Inspired Variation: Add crumbled feta cheese, oregano, and diced bell peppers to create a Mediterranean-style casserole. Replace ground beef with ground lamb for an authentic touch.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Comfort Family Platter: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad on the side to balance the richness of the dish.
  • Rustic Dinner Companion: Pair with tangy coleslaw or pickled vegetables to cut through the creamy, cheesy texture and add a refreshing crunch.
  • Game Night Special: Portion into individual servings for a cozy movie or sports watching gathering, accompanied by cold beer or iced tea for a satisfying casual dinner experience.
  • Leftover Magic: Reheat portions the next day for a quick lunch, or transform into a breakfast hash by topping with a fried egg for extra protein and flavor.

Storing Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Correctly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, thawed and drained frozen potato slices work perfectly in this casserole and can save you prep time.

  • What type of ground beef works best?

Choose lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to prevent excess grease while maintaining good flavor and moisture.

  • Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of cheese, potatoes, and beef makes this a crowd-pleasing meal that children typically love.

  • Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

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Layered Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Layered Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting cheesy hamburger potato casserole brings hearty Midwestern flavors to dinner tables with rich layers of ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese. Generous portions promise satisfaction for hungry families seeking a classic one-dish meal packed with familiar, delicious ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Starch:

  • 4 potatoes (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup butter

Dairy and Seasoning:

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the casserole.
  2. In a skillet, sauté ground beef with diced onions until meat turns brown and onions become translucent, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
  3. Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and melted butter in a separate mixing bowl, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
  4. Arrange a foundational layer of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of a baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
  5. Distribute the seasoned ground beef mixture uniformly over the potato layer, providing a hearty protein base.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the beef, creating a rich, melty topping.
  7. Gently pour the prepared soup mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, protecting the ingredients from direct heat.
  9. Bake for 1 hour, allowing the potatoes to soften and flavors to meld together.
  10. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the top to achieve a golden, crispy finish.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to stabilize the casserole’s structure.
  12. Serve piping hot, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version that keeps the hearty comfort food vibe.
  • Thinly slice potatoes for faster cooking and more even texture, ensuring each bite is perfectly tender and creamy.
  • Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or dried herbs like thyme to elevate the flavor profile and bring more depth to this classic casserole.
  • For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch instead of cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version with gluten-free ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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