Hearty Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy comfort meets hearty hamburger potato casserole in a dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of golden potatoes intertwine with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese.

Childhood memories dance across each savory bite of this nostalgic meal.

Families gather around the table, eagerly anticipating the rich, bubbling goodness.

You’ll find this recipe incredibly simple to prepare with just a few ingredients.

Crispy edges and gooey centers make every forkful irresistible.

Dig in and savor a classic comfort food that brings everyone together.

Variations on Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that's rich in flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Swap cream of mushroom soup with a homemade gluten-free version using cornstarch and vegetable broth, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this hearty dish.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower to create a lower-carbohydrate option that still delivers the same creamy, cheesy satisfaction.
• Spicy Southwest Casserole: Add diced green chilies, swap regular cheese for pepper jack, and sprinkle taco seasoning into the beef for a zesty southwestern-inspired variation.

Serving Hamburger Potato Casserole Hot

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad on the side to balance the richness.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, where it'll quickly become the star of the buffet table and disappear in minutes.
• Comfort Food Makeover: Pair with tangy pickles or a dollop of sour cream to add extra flavor and freshness to this classic comfort food casserole.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Prepare extra portions and store in individual containers for quick, satisfying lunches throughout the week that reheat perfectly.

Storing Hamburger Potato Casserole Correctly

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it covered tightly with plastic wrap or lid.
• Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for extended periods to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months for longer storage.

FAQs

• What type of potatoes work best for this casserole?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during baking and provide a creamy, hearty texture that complements the beef and cheese perfectly.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble all layers, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and follow the original baking instructions.

• Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

To reduce calories, use lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and a reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for some of the milk to add protein and decrease fat content.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, Comfort Upgraded

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A delightful one-dish meal packed with rich flavors that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Conquer Busy Weeknights: Minimal prep work and simple ingredients make this casserole a lifesaver for families craving a satisfying dinner without complicated cooking steps.
• Transform Leftovers Magically: Easily adaptable recipe that welcomes extra vegetables or different cheese varieties, letting you clean out your refrigerator while creating a delicious meal.
• Kid-Approved Crowd-Pleaser: Classic combination of beef, potatoes, and cheese guarantees smiles around the dinner table, making mealtime stress-free for parents.

Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the savory base of this comforting casserole.
• Potatoes: Starchy slices that provide a filling and satisfying foundation for the dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds a rich, melty layer of flavor and creates a golden, bubbling topping.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: Creates a creamy, smooth sauce that binds the casserole ingredients together.

• Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Provide depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking.
• Foil: Used to cover the casserole during initial baking to retain moisture.

How to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350F (175C) and get ready for a delicious meal.

Step 2: Sizzle The Aromatics

In a skillet, drizzle olive oil and dance those chopped onions and garlic around until they turn soft and fragrant.

Toss in ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned. Sprinkle salt and pepper for that perfect seasoning.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk until it transforms into a smooth, silky mixture.

Step 4: Build First Layer

In a greased casserole dish, spread out a gorgeous layer of potato slices as your base.

Step 5: Add Savory Beef Layer

Generously scatter the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes, creating a hearty foundation.

Step 6: Sprinkle Cheese Goodness

Shower the first layer with a snowfall of shredded cheese.

Step 7: Repeat Delicious Layers

Repeat the potato, beef, and cheese layers one more time, making sure to end with a final cheese crown.

Step 8: Pour Creamy Sauce

Evenly drizzle the soup mixture across the entire casserole, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 9: Bake With Foil Cover

Wrap the dish in foil and slide it into the oven for 45 minutes.

Step 10: Uncover And Finish

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until potatoes turn tender and cheese becomes bubbly and golden brown.

Step 11: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle, then serve and enjoy!

Tips for Cheesy, Golden Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that still delivers rich flavor.
• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
• Add extra texture by sprinkling crispy bacon bits or breadcrumbs on top during the last 15 minutes of baking for a crunchy golden crust.
• Enhance nutritional value by mixing in frozen vegetables like peas or carrots between potato and beef layers, creating a complete one-dish meal.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation faster and easier.

Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cheesy hamburger potato casserole brings comfort and satisfaction to family dinner tables. Layers of ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese create a filling meal you’ll savor with enthusiasm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains. Season thoroughly with salt and pepper.
4. Whisk cream of mushroom soup and milk in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.
5. Grease a casserole dish and create the first layer with half of the sliced potatoes, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
6. Top the potato layer with half of the seasoned beef mixture, ensuring consistent coverage.
7. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef layer, creating a rich and melty foundation.
8. Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese, finishing with a generous cheese topping.
9. Carefully pour the prepared soup and milk mixture evenly across the entire casserole, allowing it to seep between layers.
10. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
11. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until potatoes become tender and cheese turns golden and bubbling.
12. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Drain excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a lighter, cleaner flavor profile.
• For a low-carb version, substitute potato slices with cauliflower or turnip slices, which provide similar texture and absorb flavors wonderfully.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to add extra depth and personalize the casserole’s taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg