Savory Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

The Ultimate Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful cheesy hamburger potato casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of hearty ingredients meld together in a warm, inviting dish.

Potatoes become the perfect canvas for rich, savory flavors.

Ground beef adds a robust protein punch to every delectable bite.

Melted cheese creates a golden, irresistible topping that beckons you closer.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Come hungry and leave with a full heart and an even fuller stomach.

Why Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Is So Loved

  • Craft a Hearty Meal: This casserole transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, satisfying dinner that fills hungry bellies and warms hearts.
  • Conquer Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep and straightforward layering make this recipe a lifesaver for busy families seeking a delicious, no-fuss meal.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with cheesy goodness, tender potatoes, and seasoned beef, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring clean plates all around.
  • One-Dish Wonder: By combining proteins, vegetables, and cheese in a single baking dish, this recipe simplifies meal preparation and reduces cleanup time.

Ingredients That Build Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Lean meat that forms the hearty protein foundation of the casserole.
  • Onions: Aromatic vegetable that adds depth and sweetness to the meat.
  • Garlic: Flavorful ingredient that enhances the overall savory profile.
Starch and Binding Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Sliced vegetable that provides a comforting and filling base for the casserole.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy sauce that helps bind the ingredients and adds rich flavor.
  • Milk: Liquid that helps create a smooth and creamy texture in the sauce.
Seasoning and Topping:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that creates a golden, crispy topping.

How to Cook Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Well

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Heat your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for a delicious comfort food adventure.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet with these flavorful ingredients:
  • diced onions
  • minced garlic

Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden brown color, breaking it into small crumbles.

Step 3: Slice The Potatoes

Grab your potatoes and slice them into thin, uniform rounds that will create delicious layers in your casserole.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • cream of mushroom soup
  • milk
  • salt
  • black pepper

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Layer The Casserole

In a greased baking dish, start creating delicious layers:
  • spread a layer of potato slices
  • add the browned beef
  • pour the creamy soup mixture

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese across the top, ensuring every inch gets covered.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for one hour.

Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve this comforting, cheesy masterpiece.

Steps to Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the casserole lighter.
  • Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher, less processed option.
  • Consider using sweet potatoes or a mix of potato varieties to add nutritional value and unique flavor.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Flavor Enhancements That Work With Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Vegetarian Potato Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that's protein-packed and equally satisfying.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to create a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the creamy, cheesy essence of the original recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Dish: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Southwest Casserole: Add diced green chiles, taco seasoning, and pepper jack cheese to transform the classic recipe into a zesty southwestern-style meal with a kick.

Side Ideas That Complement Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Hearty Family Dinner Night: Serve this casserole as the star of a cozy family meal, paired with a crisp green salad and warm dinner rolls for a complete, satisfying dinner experience.
  • Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to community gatherings or potlucks, as it travels well and feeds a hungry crowd with its delicious comfort food vibes.
  • Game Day Comfort Feast: Set this casserole out during sports watch parties or weekend game gatherings, offering a filling and crowd-friendly meal that keeps everyone happy and well-fed.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this casserole in advance, store in the refrigerator, and quickly reheat for an easy weeknight dinner that saves time and delivers maximum flavor.

How to Maintain Freshness of Cheesy Hamburger 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, keeping it covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for longer storage, maintaining quality for up to 2-3 months.
  • Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage for a different flavor profile.

  • Is it necessary to peel the potatoes before slicing?

No, you can leave the potato skins on if you prefer. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before slicing.

  • What kind of cheese works best for this casserole?

Cheddar cheese is traditional, but you can also use monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses for added complexity.

  • Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

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Savory Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Savory Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty cheesy hamburger potato casserole brings comfort to dinner tables with a satisfying blend of ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese. Families will savor each warm, rich bite of this classic midwestern dish that promises wholesome flavor in every serving.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 medium potatoes
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) black pepper

Additional Components:

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly brown ground beef with aromatic onions and minced garlic in a skillet, breaking meat into small crumbles until no pink remains.
  2. Prepare potatoes by slicing them uniformly thin to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  3. Create a creamy base by whisking cream of mushroom soup with milk, seasoning generously with salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
  4. Grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking and create a smooth release after baking.
  5. Construct alternating layers: spread a foundation of potato slices, distribute browned beef evenly, and pour soup mixture to saturate ingredients.
  6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, ensuring complete coverage for a rich, melted cheese crust.
  7. Shield casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 350F for 1 hour to allow potatoes to become tender and flavors to meld.
  8. Remove foil during final 15 minutes of baking to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping with appetizing bubbling edges.

Notes

  • Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Consider using a mandoline slicer for precise, thin potato slices that cook evenly and create a smooth layered effect.
  • For a healthier twist, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to reduce fat content.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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