If you’ve been dreaming of a hearty, comforting meal that hits all the right notes, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes stacked alongside savory browned beef, enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce and melted to perfection with sharp cheddar cheese. Every bite delivers warmth and satisfaction, making it the ultimate dish for family dinners or cozy nights in. It’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious, promising a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together beautifully to create a casserole bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a starring role — from the buttery potatoes to the savory beef, and of course, the gooey cheesy goodness that ties it all together.
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey): The rich, savory backbone of the dish that adds satisfying protein and flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized with the beef.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of aromatic warmth that enhances the meaty goodness.
- 5–6 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch): Perfect for layering, these create the hearty base with a creamy texture once baked.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Sharp and melty, it provides the irresistible cheesy crust and rich flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional): Adds extra gooeyness and a subtle milky taste for cheese lovers.
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken): Creamy, savory binder that keeps the casserole moist and indulgent.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens the soup mixture for a smooth, luscious sauce.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild heat to balance the richness.
- ½ tsp paprika (optional): Gives a subtle smoky hint and beautiful color.
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for greasing the dish): Keeps the casserole from sticking and adds a lovely buttery touch.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter — this little step prevents sticking and helps develop golden crispy edges on the casserole. It’s the foundation for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef together with the chopped onion until everything is nicely browned and the onion softens, about 6 to 8 minutes. This is where all those delicious savory flavors begin to build. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat so your casserole isn’t greasy!
Step 3: Season the Meat
Return the skillet to low heat, then stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. Sauté for just 30 seconds to wake up those spices and fragrant notes without burning the garlic, then remove the skillet from heat. This layering of flavors is what makes the Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe unforgettable.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce. This mixture will soak through the potatoes and beef layers, lending moisture and that signature creaminess we all crave in a casserole.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Here’s the fun part — layer time! Start by placing half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish. Next, spread half of the seasoned beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the soup mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the entire process with the remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and finish off with the last cup of cheddar cheese (plus mozzarella if you’re including it). Layering ensures every spoonful has a wonderful balance of textures and flavors.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This steaming phase softens the potatoes and lets the flavors meld. Afterward, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and beautifully golden. The cheesy crust on top is pure comfort food bliss.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, give it a 5-minute rest before serving. This helps the casserole set a bit so it slices nicely and all those flavors settle together perfectly — trust me, patience here is totally worth it.
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top really elevates the dish visually and brings a little fresh brightness to balance the richness. A dollop of sour cream on the side can also add a cool creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with the warm cheesy layers.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is wonderfully filling on its own, lighter and crisp sides work best. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables offer a refreshing counterpoint. Steamed broccoli or green beans are also excellent choices to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make this dish feel extra special, serve it in individual ramekins or small oven-safe bowls. Layer and bake them like mini versions of the casserole, perfect for intimate dinners or when entertaining guests. For a fun twist, top each serving with some crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions to add new layers of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Just cover and chill to enjoy another comforting meal without having to cook from scratch.
Freezing
You can freeze this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. For best results, assemble the casserole and wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer, making it a convenient meal prep option.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 to 30 minutes. For that fresh-baked cheese topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and is a leaner alternative. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly and season well to keep the casserole flavorful.
Can I substitute other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a little kick. Mozzarella adds great meltiness if you want extra gooey cheese layers.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
For a vegetarian twist, replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles. The creamy mushroom sauce complements these ingredients beautifully.
Do I have to use canned cream of mushroom soup?
Nope! You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or make your own simple mushroom cream sauce from scratch for a fresher flavor.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
About 1/8 inch thick is perfect — thin enough to cook through in the baking time, but still sturdy enough to hold their shape and add that lovely tender texture to the casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a cozy dinner, this dish delivers flavor, comfort, and that irresistible cheese pull that everyone loves. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight tradition!
Print
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole featuring layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, savory browned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying main course meal that combines simple ingredients into a delicious casserole.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 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)
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for greasing the dish)
Other
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain off excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add Seasonings: Return the skillet to low heat. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. Cook the mixture for about 30 seconds to release the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Assemble the Casserole: Start by layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Next, spread half of the cooked beef and onion mixture on top. Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese (and mozzarella if using) evenly.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, soup mixture, and cheese to build a layered casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and slightly crispy on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest outside the oven for about 5 minutes to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- To ensure even cooking, slice potatoes uniformly about 1/8 inch thick.
- Optional paprika adds mild smoky flavor and aroma.
- Adding mozzarella cheese adds extra gooeyness but can be omitted for a sharper cheddar flavor.
- Covering the casserole while baking helps trap steam and cook potatoes thoroughly.
- Resting the casserole helps it firm up for cleaner slices.
