Are you looking for a cozy, satisfying dish that brings together the best elements of comfort food? Look no further than this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole. It’s packed with juicy ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and a hearty layer of melted cheddar cheese. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a potluck favorite, this casserole delivers on both flavor and nostalgia.
With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this meal is an easy weeknight dinner idea that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum taste. Let’s dive into how you can make this classic recipe at home, along with variations, tips, and helpful answers to common questions.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
This cheesy casserole layers ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy mushroom-based sauce, all baked to golden perfection under a thick blanket of cheddar cheese. It’s a meal in itself, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Ingredients
To prepare this casserole, you’ll need the following pantry-friendly ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russet recommended)
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Cooking the Ground Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté until onions are translucent and aromatic, about 4-5 minutes.
Assembling the Casserole
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the greased dish.
- Season this layer with salt, pepper, and half of the dried thyme.
- Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture over the potato layer.
- Add the remaining potato slices on top of the meat. Season again with salt, pepper, and remaining thyme.
Making the Creamy Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the entire casserole, ensuring it seeps into all layers.
Adding the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole.
Baking the Dish
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Rest and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour it.
- Budget-Conscious: Uses affordable pantry staples.
- Customizable: Easy to switch up the ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
Want to put your own spin on it? Try any of these additions:
- Vegetables: Add thinly sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, or peas for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Different Cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for a flavor twist.
- Creamier Sauce: Mix in sour cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
Serving Suggestions
While the casserole is hearty enough to be served alone, pairing it with a few lighter dishes can create a well-balanced meal:
- A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Warm garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Pickles or a tangy slaw for contrast
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
Tips for Success
- Slice potatoes evenly: Thin, uniform slices (⅛ to ¼ inch) ensure they cook evenly. A mandoline helps.
- Season each layer: Don’t skip seasoning the potato layers—it’s key to a flavorful bite.
- Let it rest: Giving it 5–10 minutes to rest before serving helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Grease the pan well: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the entire dish (without baking), cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as instructed, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the cook time if coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Definitely. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or store in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven at 350°F.
Can I use different types of meat?
Yes. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work well in this recipe. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils.
What are the best potatoes for this dish?
Yukon Golds and Russets work best. Yukon Golds offer a buttery texture and hold their shape, while Russets provide a fluffier, softer bite.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Follow the same steps through sautéing the beef and layering ingredients. Add everything to a greased slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 4–6 hours. Add cheese in the last 15 minutes.
What cheese substitutes can I try?
Aside from cheddar, good options include mozzarella for stretchiness, pepper jack for spice, or Swiss for a nutty taste. You can also mix cheeses for depth.
Can I add a crunchy topping?
Certainly. Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden, crunchy finish.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a dependable family favorite that offers rich flavor, creamy texture, and satisfying heartiness in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table and leaves everyone going back for seconds.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this casserole is forgiving, flexible, and foolproof. Feel free to customize it to your tastes, add in extra veggies, or experiment with seasonings. One thing is for sure—once you make it, it will become a regular on your meal rotation.