There’s something magical about the smell of a bubbling casserole filling the kitchen on a chilly winter evening. This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole brings me straight back to my grandmother’s farmhouse in the Midwest. Every Sunday, the oven would work overtime, and this dish was her secret weapon simple, satisfying, and made with love. I remember helping her layer the ingredients, sneaking bits of cheddar, and watching the cheese turn golden and bubbly through the oven door.
This is more than just comfort food it’s tradition baked into every layer. And now, I’m so excited to share this family-inspired recipe with you.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, hearty everything you want on a cold evening.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Family-Approved: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the gooey, golden layers.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals: Make it today, bake it tomorrow.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Ingredients Breakdown
Crafting the perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole begins with understanding the role each ingredient plays:
Ground Beef for the Best Hamburger Layer
The star of the dish, providing a robust, meaty base. Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for flavor without excess grease.
Yellow Onion Adds Sweet Depth
Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth. When sautéed with the beef, it infuses the casserole with a savory backbone.
Sliced Russet Potatoes for Casserole Perfection
Their high starch content helps them absorb the rich sauce and become melt-in-your-mouth tender. Peel and slice them thinly for even cooking.
Cheddar Cheese: The Gooey Star of This Cheesy Casserole
Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor. It melts beautifully, providing that irresistibly gooey, golden top.
Condensed Soup and Milk Make the Creamy Casserole Sauce
These combine to create a creamy, rich sauce that brings all the layers together.
Milk & Garlic Powder
Milk softens and loosens the sauce, while garlic powder adds a mellow background note of flavor.
Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole (Serves 4)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Oven & Casserole Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook Ground Beef and Onion for Casserole Base
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Mix Cheesy Sauce for Hamburger Casserole
In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, and regular milk until smooth.
Step 4: Layer the Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Spread a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour one-third of the cheese sauce over the beef.
- Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat layers, ending with the remaining cheese sauce and a generous topping of cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole to Golden, Gooey Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 6: Let Rest and Garnish Before Serving
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Thin Slices: Use a mandoline for perfectly thin and even potato slices.
- Rest Before Serving: This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut clean portions.
- Customize: Add cooked bacon or mushrooms for extra depth. Or mix in a little hot sauce for heat lovers.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble it the night before and bake the next day. Great for busy weeknights!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked casserole in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back creaminess.
What to Serve with Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
This hearty casserole is a full meal, but here are some great sides:
- Steamed Green Beans : Adds color and crunch.
- Garden Salad : Freshens up the rich flavors.
- Buttered Cornbread : Soaks up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
Variations You’ll Love
- Tex-Mex Twist: Add taco seasoning and replace cheddar with pepper jack.
- Loaded Baked Potato Style: Add bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream on top.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms.
Absolutely! Here are 5 FAQ entries optimized for both readers and SEO, incorporating the keyword cheesy hamburger potato casserole and close variations:
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
1. Can I make cheesy hamburger potato casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and then bake as directed. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
2. What’s the best way to slice potatoes for cheesy hamburger potato casserole?
Thin, even slices are best to ensure they cook through. Using a mandoline slicer gives you consistent results and helps the potatoes soak up the creamy sauce evenly throughout the casserole.
3. Can I freeze cheesy hamburger potato casserole?
Absolutely. Bake the casserole first, then cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
4. Can I substitute the condensed cheddar soup in the casserole?
Yes! If you prefer a homemade version, mix 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 cup milk, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese in a saucepan. Cook until thick and creamy this can replace the canned soup for a from-scratch flavor.
5. What type of cheese works best in a cheesy hamburger potato casserole?
Sharp cheddar is classic and delivers great flavor and meltability. However, feel free to mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda for a twist. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese.
More Comfort Food Favorites You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this hearty Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, there are plenty more comforting dishes waiting for you to explore! For a flavor-packed combo that’s just as satisfying, try this baked beans and hamburger recipe, perfect for weeknights. If you’re a fan of all things cheesy and crave-worthy, the creamy bacon spaghetti delivers on indulgence with every bite. And when you’re looking for a cozy twist, these loaded tater tots bring crispy edges and gooey toppings together in one unforgettable snack.
Why It’s the Perfect Winter Comfort Food
This dish embodies everything we crave when the cold bites back warmth, richness, nostalgia. The bubbling cheddar on top, the creamy potatoes underneath, and that savory beef layer in between it’s a hug in casserole form.
Whether you’re feeding your family on a snowy evening or prepping comfort meals for the week, this cheesy hamburger potato casserole delivers the goods.