When it comes to hearty, satisfying meals that bring everyone to the table, nothing beats a Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole. This dish combines layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve for a casual family gathering. If you’re craving comfort food that’s easy, cheesy, and downright irresistible, this casserole deserves a spot in your dinner rotation.
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Ingredients (and Why They Work)
1 ½ pounds ground beef – The flavorful base of the casserole. Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease while still delivering rich taste.
1 medium onion, finely diced – Adds depth, sweetness, and a savory aroma that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced – The hearty backbone of the dish. Russets hold up well during baking while turning tender and creamy.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – The star of the show! Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor and gooey texture.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds extra meltiness and a mild creaminess that complements cheddar.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Creates a luscious sauce that ties everything together, adding moisture and earthy undertones.
1 cup milk – Helps thin the soup into a smooth, pourable sauce. Whole milk is ideal for richness.
2 tablespoons butter – Adds a touch of richness and helps the potatoes bake up tender.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses subtle flavor without overpowering the dish.
1 teaspoon paprika – Enhances flavor and adds a slight smokiness.
Salt and black pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning every layer to perfection.
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) – Adds color and a fresh finish to balance the richness.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Cook the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Prepare the creamy sauce. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Set aside.
4. Layer the casserole.
Place half of the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom of the dish.
Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
Pour half of the creamy sauce over the beef.
Sprinkle with a generous layer of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and cheese.
5. Cover and bake. Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Uncover and finish baking. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Rest and serve. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
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Why This Recipe is Loved
Family-friendly: Kids love the cheesy layers, while adults appreciate the hearty comfort.
Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and stretches ground beef into a filling meal.
Make-ahead option: Assemble in the morning, refrigerate, and bake at dinnertime.
Leftovers taste even better: The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day meals.
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Pro Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking. A mandoline slicer makes this quick and easy.
Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded. Freshly grated melts better and gives a creamier texture.
Add vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Double the recipe if feeding a crowd—this dish disappears fast!
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Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole pairs wonderfully with:
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots.
Fresh-baked dinner rolls to soak up every bit of cheesy goodness.
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Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is more than just dinner—it’s comfort in a dish. With layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, creamy sauce, and golden melted cheese, every bite delivers satisfaction. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare with everyday ingredients, making it perfect for busy families who still want a homemade, hearty meal.
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, cheesy, and sure to be a cr
owd-pleaser, this casserole is it. Try it once, and it will quickly become a family favorite you’ll make again and again.
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