Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

When it comes to hearty, family-approved dinners, nothing beats the warm and satisfying layers of a cheesy hamburger potato casserole. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this classic dish is a lifesaver on busy nights — and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at potlucks or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole delivers all the comfort of a home-cooked meal, combining the richness of ground beef, the fluffiness of sliced potatoes, and the gooey satisfaction of melted cheese. It’s budget-friendly, easily customizable, and great for leftovers.

Whether you’re new to casseroles or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, this dish brings together flavor, convenience, and nostalgia — all in one pan.

Want to make it even better? Learn more about how to choose the right cheese for baking from The Cheese Professor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into a classic cheesy hamburger potato casserole:

Main Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
4–5 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
1 small onion, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt, to taste
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions

Ingredient Substitutions:

Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce.
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier bite.
Add veggies like peas, carrots, or green beans for a nutrition boost.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray or butter.

2. Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the meat is fully browned and onions are soft. Drain excess grease.

3. Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika until smooth.

4. Layer the Ingredients

Start layering your casserole as follows:

First layer: Thin potato slices
Second layer: Half of the cooked ground beef
Third layer: Cheese
Pour over some of the soup mixture
Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese on top

5. Cover & Bake

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Rest & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and flavors to meld beautifully.

Looking for the best cookware to bake casseroles like a pro? Check out this top-rated bakeware guide from Serious Eats.

Flavor Variations

Make this dish your own by mixing things up!

Spicy Southwest Style:

Add a can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
Mix in some taco seasoning
Top with pepper jack cheese or a blend

Bacon Ranch Upgrade:

Add cooked crumbled bacon between layers
Mix in a packet of ranch seasoning with the soup mixture

Vegetarian Version:

Use plant-based ground beef
Substitute meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils

️ What to Serve with Hamburger Potato Casserole

While the casserole is filling on its own, here are some great sides to round out your meal:

Green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Buttered dinner rolls
Pickles or relish tray to cut through the richness

Want to pair it with a wine? A light-bodied red like Pinot Noir works wonderfully!

❄️ Storage & Reheating Tips

This dish makes excellent leftovers and even tastes better the next day!

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Use a microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.

‍ Pro Tips for Success

Use a mandoline slicer to get even, thin potato slices — this ensures they cook fully and evenly.
Let it rest after baking — this makes it easier to slice and serve.
Grease your dish well to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

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