Cheesy Hamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe

Classic Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe: Homestyle Comfort

Crafting a hearty hamburger and potato casserole satisfies those deep comfort food cravings we all experience.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle perfectly with tender potato slices.

Cheese melts gloriously across the top, creating a golden-brown crust that promises deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet robust meal solutions like this classic combination.

Nothing beats a one-dish wonder that comes together quickly and feeds everyone at the table.

Warm, filling, and packed with familiar flavors, this casserole will become your new go-to meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Grab a fork and prepare for a seriously delectable dining experience.

Hearty Hamburger And Potato Casserole To Enjoy

  • Boost Family Dinner Excitement: This hearty casserole transforms ordinary ground beef into a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love, creating instant dinner table happiness.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like beans, salsa, or cheese types to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible and personal.
  • Quick Layered Deliciousness: Build stunning layers of flavor with simple ingredients, creating a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-dish recipe that combines protein, veggies, and cheese into a complete meal solution for busy households.

Ingredients For Hamburger And Potato Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the casserole and provides rich, meaty flavor.
  • Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that create layered structure in the casserole.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that add creaminess and delicious golden topping.
Vegetable And Seasoning Mix:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that enhance the overall depth of flavor.
  • Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that gives the casserole its Mexican-inspired taste profile.
  • Salsa, Black Beans, Corn, Diced Green Chilies: Ingredients that add texture, moisture, and southwestern zest.
Garnish And Optional Toppings:
  • Sour Cream, Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh ingredients that provide cool, bright finishing touches to the casserole.

Stepwise Instructions For Hamburger And Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef along with:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic

Cook until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains. Drain away any excess fat from the meat.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Filling

Add these ingredients to the beef mixture:
  • Taco seasoning
  • Salsa
  • Black beans
  • Corn kernels
  • Diced green chilies

Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to blend all the flavors together.

Step 4: Start Layering

Spread a portion of the beef mixture as the first layer in the prepared baking dish.

Add a layer of tortillas on top. Sprinkle a generous amount of:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Monterey Jack cheese

Step 5: Continue Building Layers

Repeat the layering process with remaining beef mixture, tortillas, and cheeses.

Ensure the top layer is covered with cheese.

Step 6: Bake The Casserole

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve And Garnish

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips To Elevate Hamburger And Potato Casserole

  • Swap ground beef for lean turkey or plant-based crumbles to make a healthier, lower-fat version of the casserole.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium taco seasoning and salsa, perfect for those watching salt intake.
  • Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to the beef mixture for more vitamins.
  • Create a gluten-free option by using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and checking that taco seasoning is gluten-free.
  • Prep this dish ahead of time by assembling the casserole and refrigerating it, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal.

Flavorful Variations For Hamburger And Potato Casserole

  • Vegetarian Mexican Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, maintaining the same spicy flavor profile and layered texture.
  • Low-Carb Mexican Bake: Swap tortillas with thin zucchini slices or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the authentic Mexican taste.
  • Gluten-Free Spicy Casserole: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Dairy-Free Mexican Casserole: Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew or almond-based cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Presentation Ideas For Hamburger And Potato Casserole

  • Fiesta Family Feast: Serve this zesty casserole with fresh salsa and crisp tortilla chips for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Toppings Bar: Set out bowls of chopped jalapeños, diced avocado, extra sour cream, and fresh cilantro so guests can customize their servings.
  • Quick Weeknight Companion: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy layers and add fresh crunch to the meal.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Transform leftovers into a morning dish by topping with a fried egg and serving alongside warm corn tortillas for a hearty breakfast option.

Best Storage Options For Hamburger And Potato Casserole

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing the container.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for maximum 2 months, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
  • Reheat refrigerated or thawed casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Microwave individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating, but oven reheating maintains better texture.

FAQs

  • What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) provides the right balance of flavor and moisture without making the dish too greasy.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the salsa and taco seasoning you choose. Use mild versions for less spice or add hot varieties if you prefer more kick.

  • Can I substitute the cheese types?

Absolutely. You can use a Mexican cheese blend, pepper jack, or any melting cheese you prefer. The key is using cheeses that melt well and complement the Mexican-inspired flavors.

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Cheesy Hamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger and potato casserole brings comfort from midwest kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. Layers of ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that families will eagerly devour.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey

Cheese Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup monterey jack cheese (shredded)

Vegetable and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn (drained)
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
  • 2 flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 cup salsa

Optional Garnish and Serving:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 green onions
  • 1/4 cup cilantro

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cook ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic until meat is completely browned and onions are translucent. Carefully drain accumulated fat.
  3. Incorporate taco seasoning, salsa, black beans, corn kernels, and chopped green chilies into the meat mixture. Allow the ingredients to simmer for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to meld together.
  4. Create the first foundational layer in the prepared baking dish by evenly spreading the seasoned beef mixture across the bottom.
  5. Arrange a complete layer of tortillas directly over the beef, ensuring minimal gaps between them.
  6. Generously sprinkle a combination of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the tortilla layer.
  7. Repeat the layering process – beef mixture, tortillas, and cheese – until all ingredients are utilized, making sure the final top layer is covered with cheese.
  8. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
  9. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbling.
  10. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to help layers set. Optional: Garnish with dollops of sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that keeps all the zesty flavor and protein.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium taco seasoning and selecting a mild salsa to control salt levels without compromising taste.
  • Make this dish gluten-free by choosing corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensuring all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Add extra nutrition by incorporating diced bell peppers or spinach into the beef mixture for increased vegetable content and vibrant color.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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