The Coziest Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Ever

My go-to cheesy hamburger potato casserole always sparks excitement around our dinner table.

Comfort food like this brings everyone together with minimal effort.

Layered potatoes and seasoned ground beef create a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Melted cheese blankets each bite, promising rich flavor and warmth.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical that feels like a culinary hug.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions, and this casserole delivers maximum taste with minimal preparation.

You’ll want to savor every single comforting forkful of this irresistible dish.

How To Store Your Cheesy Casserole Just Right

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheating Oven Method: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Microwave Quick Option: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate.

Casserole FAQs That Cover It All

• What ingredients make this casserole so hearty?

Ground beef, potatoes, and cheddar cheese create a protein-packed and filling meal that satisfies hunger and provides substantial nutrition.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative work perfectly in this recipe for those wanting variety.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, the casserole uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup, making it an economical dish that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and reduced-sodium cheddar soup to cut down on calories and fat while maintaining the delicious flavor profile.

Why Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Hits The Spot

• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with hearty ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes, this casserole delivers ultimate satisfaction for hungry families craving a filling meal.
• Quick Prep Magic: Minimal ingredients and simple layering technique make this recipe super accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring just basic kitchen techniques.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup, this dish provides maximum flavor without breaking the bank, perfect for feeding a crowd economically.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamlined cooking process means less cleanup, with everything baking together in a single dish, making meal preparation and post-dinner chores a breeze for busy households.

What You’ll Need For Cheeseburger-Inspired Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein in this comforting casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the ground beef base.

• Potatoes: Sliced potatoes create a delicious and substantial foundation for the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, melty, and tangy flavor that enhances the entire dish.
• Cheddar Soup, Evaporated Milk, Regular Milk: Combine to create a creamy and smooth sauce that binds the casserole together.
• Garlic Powder: Offers a subtle, savory seasoning that complements the other ingredients.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Nonstick Spray: Helps prevent the casserole from sticking to the baking dish.
• Foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking to ensure even cooking.

How To Bake The Best Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef with diced onions.

Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Build Potato Layers

• Potato slices
• Sprinkle of salt and pepper
• Portion of beef mixture
• Handful of shredded cheddar cheese

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all ingredients, ending with cheese on top.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Sauce

• Cheddar soup
• Evaporated milk
• Regular milk
• Garlic powder

Whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Pour and Cover

Evenly distribute the creamy sauce over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.

Make sure every layer gets moistened.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Bake for 60 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges become bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Slice and enjoy your comforting meal.

Top Tips For A Cheesy Potato Bake

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for better texture and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Substitute regular milk with lactose-free milk for those with dairy sensitivities and maintain the creamy consistency.
• Add extra flavor by mixing in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary between potato layers for a more aromatic experience.
• Prep the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for enhanced taste.

Tasty Casserole Swaps And Spin-Offs

• Spicy Southwest Kick: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo, add diced green chiles, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, incorporate crumbled feta, add dried oregano and rosemary, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower, use ground turkey instead of beef, and add extra sharp cheddar for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative.
• Vegetarian Garden Blend: Replace beef with a mixture of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, use vegetable broth instead of milk, and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy plant-based option.

What To Eat With Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing side with mixed greens, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Complement with Chilled Beer: Choose a hoppy pale ale or light lager that cuts through the creamy texture and provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to add nutrition and bright flavors that enhance the casserole's comfort food appeal.
• Match with Dry White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with crisp acidity to help cleanse the palate between bites of the cheesy, meaty potato layers.

Mega-Cheese Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty cheesy hamburger potato casserole, blending classic American flavors into one satisfying dish. Layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese promise a deliciously simple meal that warms hearts and fills hungry bellies with pure home-style goodness.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 pounds (1.81 kilograms) russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cheddar soup
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté ground beef and diced onions in a skillet over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease once meat is fully cooked.
3. Create alternating layers in the baking dish: spread potato slices, sprinkle salt and pepper, add a portion of beef mixture, and distribute cheddar cheese. Repeat this process until four complete layers are formed.
4. Whisk together cheddar soup, evaporated milk, regular milk, and garlic powder in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.
5. Evenly cascade the prepared sauce over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage across the casserole.
6. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the surface turns golden and develops a bubbly texture.
7. Allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes, permitting the layers to settle and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Customize potato thickness by slicing uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, creating a lighter and less oily final dish.
• Consider using lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option without sacrificing flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Swiss to add unique taste dimensions to the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg