If you’re craving a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and loaded with flavor, look no further than Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole. This comforting recipe brings together layers of juicy ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, creamy sauce, and a generous topping of gooey melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that warms your soul, fills your stomach, and brings the whole family to the table with smiles.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even potluck dinners, this casserole strikes the right balance between simplicity and indulgence. Every bite delivers the savory richness of seasoned hamburger meat, the soft, velvety texture of baked potatoes, and the irresistible stretch of melted cheddar cheese. It’s comfort food at its very best—affordable, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to please.
In this article, you’ll find not only a complete recipe for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole but also expert cooking tips, serving suggestions, and reasons why this dish has earned a place in so many kitchens.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – Everything you need can be found in a standard pantry or grocery store.
2. Family-Friendly – Both kids and adults adore its cheesy, creamy goodness.
3. Customizable – Easily adjust seasonings, cheese varieties, or add veggies to suit your tastes.
4. Meal-Prep Friendly – This casserole reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers.
If you’ve been looking for a recipe that combines comfort, convenience, and mouthwatering flavor, this is it.
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Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating a perfectly balanced dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
2 pounds ground beef – The star of the dish, providing a hearty and meaty base. Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease, or substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
1 medium onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor, complementing the savory beef.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the casserole with aromatic richness.
1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper – Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the beef and potatoes.
1 teaspoon paprika – Adds warmth and a subtle smoky note to the dish.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Provides a creamy texture and earthy flavor that binds the casserole together.
1 cup milk – Helps create a smooth, pourable sauce that coats the potatoes evenly.
6 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced – The backbone of the casserole. Their starchy texture soaks up flavor beautifully when baked.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Delivers gooey, melty perfection on top. For extra flavor, use a sharp cheddar.
2 tablespoons butter – Ensures richness and prevents sticking when greasing the baking dish.
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) – Adds a touch of color and freshness to the finished dish.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. This step ensures the meat is flavorful before layering it into the casserole.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This sauce is what keeps the potatoes tender and moist during baking, while also binding the layers together.
Step 3: Slice the Potatoes
Wash, peel, and thinly slice the russet potatoes. Aim for slices about ⅛ inch thick for even cooking. If you have a mandoline slicer, this is the perfect time to use it for consistent slices.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Begin with a layer of sliced potatoes, slightly overlapping them. Add a layer of the beef mixture, then spoon some of the soup mixture over the top. Repeat the process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
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Pro Tips for Perfecting Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Choose the Right Potatoes – Russet potatoes are best because of their high starch content, which helps them absorb flavor and become tender without falling apart.
Don’t Skip Pre-Cooking the Meat – Cooking the beef beforehand ensures it’s fully flavored and prevents a greasy casserole.
Add Extra Veggies – For a balanced meal, layer in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach.
Try Different Cheeses – Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can also use mozzarella for extra stretch or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Make Ahead – Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
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Why This Recipe Is Loved
This casserole is a true crowd-pleaser because it combines everything people love in comfort food:
Beefy richness that satisfies even the hungriest appetites.
Creamy potatoes that soften into buttery layers.
Melted cheese that ties everything together with gooey indulgence.
It’s also a dish that feels nostalgic—reminding many of home-cooked meals shared around the family table. Affordable, filling, and packed with flavor, it’s no surprise this casserole recipe has stood the test of time.
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Serving Suggestions
Turn this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole into a complete meal with a few simple additions:
Green Salad – A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or carrots make colorful and nutritious accompaniments.
Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Pickles or Coleslaw – Add a tangy crunch to contrast the creamy layers.
For drinks, pair it with a glass of iced tea, a cold beer, or even a bold red wine if you’re serving this casserole at a gathering.
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Variations to Try
1. Tex-Mex Twist – Add taco seasoning to the beef and swap cheddar for pepper jack. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
2. Loaded Baked Potato Style – Sprinkle cooked bacon bits and green onions over the cheese topping.
3. Vegetable Boost – Incorporate zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for added nutrition and flavor.
4. Lighter Version – Use ground turkey, reduced-fat cheese, and cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom for a leaner option.
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Conclusion
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate example of comfort food done right. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with layers of flavor that keep everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping for the week ahead, or contributing to a potluck, this dish delivers on every front.
With its tender potatoes, savory beef, creamy sauce, and golden cheesy topping, it’s
a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Simple yet satisfying, this casserole proves that sometimes the most unpretentious meals are the most delicious.
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