There is nothing quite like the aroma of a cheesy hamburger potato casserole baking in the oven after a long day. It instantly transports me back to my childhood kitchen where dinner was always a hearty affair.
My mom had a knack for turning simple pantry staples into something magical. She would layer thinly sliced potatoes with savory beef and bubbly cheese until the whole house smelled inviting.
We would sit around the table, passing the dish while talking about our day. It was simple, unpretentious food that brought us together without any fuss.
Even now, when I need a meal that feels like a warm hug, I turn to this recipe. And for dessert, I often whip up some Cherry coconut magic bars to complete the nostalgic feast.
Why you’ll love this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- It is incredibly budget-friendly since it uses staple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- The cheesy hamburger potato casserole comes together quickly, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
- Kids and adults alike adore the creamy texture and savory flavor profile.
- You can easily customize the vegetables or cheese blend to suit your family’s preferences.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, which makes meal planning for the week a breeze.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8 inch thick)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Cheesy hamburger potato casserole makes every moment feel sunny. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and the diced onion to the pan.
Step 3
Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally to break up the meat, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 4
Grab a medium mixing bowl for your sauce. Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is completely smooth.
Step 5
Begin assembling the casserole by arranging half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top this potato layer with half of the cooked ground beef mixture.
Step 6
Pour half of the creamy sauce evenly over the beef and potatoes. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce.
Step 7
Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, followed by the rest of the ground beef and the remaining sauce. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese over the top.
Step 8
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to allow the potatoes to steam and cook through.
Step 9
Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. You want the potatoes to be tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese to look golden and bubbly.
Step 10
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the sauce thicken up before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
You can easily add more vegetables to this cheesy hamburger potato casserole to increase the nutritional value. I often mix in a cup of frozen peas and carrots or corn with the ground beef mixture. It adds a nice pop of color and sweetness.
If you prefer a bit of heat, try swapping the sharp cheddar for a pepper jack cheese blend. You could also toss in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce. This gives the dish a gentle kick that cuts through the richness.
For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Just be sure to season the poultry well since it has a milder taste. The result is a slightly lighter but equally comforting meal.
Pairings
Since this dish is quite rich and heavy, a fresh green salad is the perfect accompaniment. A simple garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing helps cleanse the palate. The crispness of the lettuce contrasts beautifully with the soft potatoes.
Steamed green vegetables also work wonderfully alongside this casserole. Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are excellent choices. They add freshness to the plate without competing with the main flavors.
If you want to go all out on comfort food, serve this with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread. Crusty bread is great for scooping up any extra cheese sauce left on the plate. It makes the meal feel like a true feast.
Serving ideas
When serving this for a gathering, I like to present it right in the baking dish. A ceramic baker looks beautiful on the table, especially when the cheese is bubbling and golden. Just be sure to place it on a trivet to protect your table.
To make the dish look chef-quality, don’t skip the garnish. Freshly chopped parsley adds a bright green contrast to the orange cheese. You could also use chopped chives or green onions for a mild onion flavor.
For individual servings, let the casserole set for the full 10 minutes before cutting. This ensures you can lift out neat squares rather than a messy scoop. It makes plating much more attractive for guests.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftovers of this cheesy hamburger potato casserole store exceptionally well. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, you can use the microwave for single portions. For larger amounts, place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F covered with foil. Heat until it is warmed through to the center.
You can also freeze this dish for later use. Wrap individual portions or the whole casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Make-ahead
This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can assemble the entire casserole up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
When you are ready to eat, simply bake it according to the directions. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since the ingredients will be cold. This is perfect for busy holidays or weeknights.
If you want to prep ingredients separately, you can slice the potatoes and store them in water to prevent browning. You can also brown the beef and mix the sauce ahead of time. Just assemble everything right before baking.
Common mistakes when making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Slicing the potatoes too thickly often results in undercooked, crunchy potatoes even after the full baking time.
- Forgetting to drain the fat from the ground beef can make the final dish overly greasy and oily.
- Using a cheese that doesn’t melt well can result in a gritty texture; freshly shredded cheddar is always best.
- Not covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking can cause the cheese to burn before the potatoes are tender.
- Cutting into the casserole immediately after taking it out of the oven will cause the sauce to be runny; resting is crucial.
Final notes
This cheesy hamburger potato casserole is the definition of reliable comfort food. It uses simple techniques to create a meal that feels special and satisfying. I hope it becomes a regular part of your dinner rotation just as it has for my family.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings to make it your own. A little smoked paprika or onion powder can change the profile in delicious ways. Cooking is all about adjusting to your own taste buds.
Enjoy the process of layering the ingredients and the anticipation as it bakes. There is a real joy in pulling a bubbling, golden dish out of the oven. Happy cooking!
Loved this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole? Try these next
- Cherry coconut magic bars
- Cook Reel home
- Homemade candied pecans
- Corn black bean guacamole
- Family friendly recipes
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
This comforting casserole combines tender sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce into one hearty dish. Bubbling with melted cheddar and packed with flavor, it is the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights that the whole family will love.
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8 inch thick)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the ground beef mixture, half of the sauce, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, sauce, and finally the remaining cheese.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through completely. If you prefer a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg