There’s something so comforting about a hot, cheesy casserole coming out of the oven, especially on a busy weeknight. This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole brings together hearty layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese in the most delicious way. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and brings everyone running to the table.
I first made this casserole one chilly evening when I needed to use up a few pantry staples—ground beef, potatoes, and cheese. The result? A creamy, golden bake that instantly became a family favorite. The layers of tender potatoes, rich beef sauce, and gooey cheese make every bite pure comfort.
If you love cozy, home-style dinners like this one, you’ll also want to try my Creamy Beef and Rotel Macaroni or Amish Hamburger Steak Bake next—they’re just as simple and satisfying.
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is perfect for busy families because it uses simple ingredients, can be made ahead of time, and tastes even better the next day. It’s also a budget-friendly way to stretch ground beef into a hearty meal that serves a crowd.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked dish layered with seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, melty cheeses, and a creamy mushroom sauce.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs ground beef or ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
5–6 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra meltiness)
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
1 cup milk
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter, for greasing the dish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
2. In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
4. Layer half the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Spread half the beef mixture over the potatoes.
6. Pour half the soup mixture over the beef and sprinkle with 1 cup cheddar.
7. Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and top with remaining cheddar and mozzarella.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with a green salad or steamed veggies.
Notes
You can substitute cream of mushroom with cream of chicken if preferred.
Try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added flavor.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Table Of Content
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Family-favorite comfort food – Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
Simple pantry ingredients – Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.
Budget-friendly – A great way to feed a hungry family without spending much.
Make-ahead friendly – Assemble in advance, bake when ready.
Versatile – Add veggies or switch up the cheese for your own twist.
Ingredient Notes & Details
Ground beef: Lean ground beef (85–90%) gives you the perfect balance of flavor without too much grease. You can also try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes hold up best in this casserole. Slice them thinly—about 1/8 inch—for even baking.
Onion & garlic: Finely chopped onion and minced garlic build a delicious base flavor for the beef mixture.
Creamy sauce: You can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, or make your own quick sauce with butter, flour, broth, and milk.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is classic, but a mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack makes it extra melty.
Milk or cream: Adds creaminess between the layers and keeps the casserole from drying out.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder are all you need for cozy flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
➊ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
➋ In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off any grease. Add diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in one can of cream soup and ½ cup of milk or cream until smooth.
➌ Wash, peel, and thinly slice your potatoes. Try to keep the slices even—about 1/8 inch thick—for even cooking.
➍ Layer the casserole: start with sliced potatoes on the bottom, then half the beef mixture, then a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with potatoes and a generous topping of cheese.
➎ Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
➏ Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set so it slices beautifully.
FAQ
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just add about 10–15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. - Can I skip the canned soup?
Of course! A homemade white sauce made with butter, flour, broth, and milk works perfectly. - What kind of cheese melts best?
Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, while mozzarella gives that gooey stretch. Try a mix of both! - Can I use frozen hash browns instead of potatoes?
Yes—thawed shredded hash browns make a great shortcut, though the texture will be a bit softer. - How do I freeze this casserole?
Bake it first, let it cool, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat single servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until hot. You can also freeze baked leftovers for up to 3 months.
Variations
Loaded Bake: Top with cooked crumbled turkey bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
Tex-Mex Twist: Mix in taco seasoning and use pepper jack cheese. Serve with salsa or guacamole.
Veggie Style: Add layers of spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Spicy Version: Stir in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Lighter Option: Use ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and a light homemade cream sauce.
If you enjoy recipes like this, check out my Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef or Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos for more comforting, crowd-pleasing meals.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the definition of comfort food—simple, satisfying, and sure to bring smiles all around the table.
