Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Ahh, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole! This dish is a warm hug on a cold day, isn’t it? It takes me back to family dinners at my grandmother’s house, where the aroma of bubbling cheese and hearty potatoes would greet you at the door. She always had a special way of making everyone feel at home, and this casserole—simple yet comforting—was a staple at every gathering. It’s become a go-to recipe for me, not just for its delightful taste, but for the moments I get to share around the dinner table.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Think about the perfect dinner—the centerpiece that combines ease with pleasure, nourishing your body and soul. This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is that dish. Imagine layers of tender potatoes and savory ground beef, all blanketed beneath a golden, melted cheese crown. It’s like your favorite cheesy comfort meal—but in casserole form!

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can whip it up on a busy weeknight or serve it at gatherings without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s great reheated the next day, making it perfect for a satisfying lunch or second dinner. Not to mention, it’s easily adaptable; if you’re feeling adventurous, try switching up the spices or even the meats. Trust me, it’s hard not to love something that feels this good and is so inviting.

Gather these ingredients

For the magic to unfold, you’ll need:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey): The star of the show! Ground beef will give you that rich, meaty flavor, but lean turkey is a fantastic healthier option.

• 1 medium onion (chopped): This adds a sweet and savory base; you can even use shallots for a mellow flavor twist.

• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic is like the cherry on top—it infuses everything with a beautiful aroma and depth.

• 5-6 medium russet potatoes (thinly sliced): Potatoes are key here; they create layers of comfort that will soak up all the flavors and keep everything moist.

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Because what’s a casserole without cheese? Bring on the gooeyness!

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional): If you want to take it to the next level, sprinkle on some mozzarella for that extra stretchiness.

• 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken): This acts as the glue, adding creaminess and flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, make a homemade version!

• 1 cup milk: To help thin out that soup and create the perfect sauce.

• 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp paprika (optional): These spices will elevate your casserole game; don’t skip out on seasoning!

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter: For greasing the dish and nothing beats that hint of buttery flavor!

Preparing Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Let’s dive into the cooking process, and don’t worry, I’m with you every step of the way!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want that cozy heat ready when it’s time to bake.

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter. This ensures easy cleanup and keeps everything from sticking—trust me on this one!

3. In a skillet, brown 1 ½ lbs of ground beef along with the chopped onion over medium heat. Let them mingle until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is soft. Drain the excess fat—it’ll help keep your casserole from becoming greasy.

4. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika to your skillet, cooking for another minute until fragrant. It’s magic when the garlic hits the pan!

5. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This is your creamy dream base.

6. Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of your prepared baking dish, like a comforting blanket.

7. Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Then, pour half of that beautiful sauce over the beef and sprinkle with a cup of cheddar cheese.

8. Repeat the layers! More potatoes, more beef, more sauce, and top it all off with the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella. Let that cheese shine!

9. Cover your dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 45 minutes. This steams the potatoes perfectly.

10. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for tender potatoes and a bubbly, golden cheese top.

11. Let rest for about 5 minutes before serving. The aroma will test your patience!

Best way to enjoy it

Serve this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole hot and bubbling! You can absolutely indulge in it just as it is, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies can really elevate your meal. The freshness cuts through the richness beautifully! It makes for a pleasant balance—think of it as yin and yang on your plate.

How to store and freeze

If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely, given how scrumptious this is), just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

For longer storage, go ahead and freeze it! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating is a piece of cake—just cover it with foil to prevent drying out and warm it through in the oven at 350°F until heated.

Pro chef tips

• Slice your potatoes thinly. Think 1/8 inch! This ensures they cook evenly and become tender.

• Don’t skip the layering. Each layer needs its time to shine—this helps to create a beautifully melded flavor profile throughout the casserole.

• Try fresh herbs sprinkled on top before serving for an extra pop of flavor—fresh parsley or chives add vibrancy.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper for a hint of heat.

• Swap the cheese: Experiment with gouda or pepper jack cheese for a fun twist on flavor.

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meat for black beans or lentils and add some sautéed bell peppers and corn for a hearty, veggie-packed dish.

Your questions answered

1. Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble it the night before and bake it the next day.

2. Can I use another type of potato? Sure! Yukon golds or sweet potatoes would work beautifully too.

3. What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup? Cream of chicken or even a homemade béchamel would be delicious.

4. How do I reheat leftovers? In the oven or microwave, just ensure it’s heated through.

5. Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, just check that your cream soup is gluten-free!

It’s hard not to feel excited about this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, isn’t it? I hope you give it a try, and trust me, once it’s bubbling away in your oven, your kitchen will feel more like home than ever. Invite some friends over, whip up a side salad, and enjoy the laughter and warmth that comes flooding into your space. Let your culinary creativity soar, and do share your own twists—I’d love to hear how you made it your own!

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Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Cooking Method: Baking Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy E Easy F Family Friendly Non Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 60 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 6-8 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 450

Best Season: Winter

Description

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole combines rich ground beef, tender potatoes, and a gooey cheese topping for a perfect comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey) (Rich, meaty flavor.)
• 1 medium onion, chopped (Adds a sweet and savory base.)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (Infuses everything with aroma.)
• 5-6 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced (Creates layers of comfort.)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (Provides gooeyness.)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella, optional (Adds extra stretchiness.)
• 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken) (Adds creaminess and flavor.)
• 1 cup milk (Thins out the soup.)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika, optional (Elevates flavor.)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (For greasing the baking dish.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat your oven to 350°F.
   This ensures even cooking.
   Mark as complete

2. Prepare Baking Dish

   Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
   This ensures easy cleanup.
   Mark as complete

3. Brown Beef and Onions

   In a skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until fully cooked.
   Drain the excess fat.
   Mark as complete

4. Add Garlic and Spices

   Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika, cooking for another minute.
   Mark as complete

5. Prepare the Sauce

   Whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
   This is your creamy dream base.
   Mark as complete

6. Layer Ingredients

   Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish, spread half of the beef mixture, pour half the sauce, and sprinkle with a cup of cheddar cheese.
   Repeat layers.
   Mark as complete

7. Bake Casserole

   Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
   Look for tender potatoes and a bubbly cheese top.
   Mark as complete

8. Rest Before Serving

   Let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
   The aroma will be enticing!
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6-8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 30g47%

Saturated Fat 15g75%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 80mg27%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 700mg20%

Total Carbohydrate 35g12%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 2g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 400 IU

Vitamin C 15 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 3 mcg

Thiamin 0.2 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 25 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Magnesium 20 mg

Zinc 4 mg

Selenium 15 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add heat with jalapeños.

Keywords: casserole, cheesy, hamburger, potato, comfort food