There are some recipes that just wrap you in a warm hug — and this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is one of them. I can’t tell you how many times this dish has saved my weeknight dinners! It’s cozy, hearty, and oozing with melty cheese and tender layers of potatoes. Every bite feels like home.
If you love meals that are satisfying, family-approved, and simple enough for any day of the week, you’re in for a treat.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is:
- Hearty and satisfying: Every layer is packed with creamy, cheesy flavor.
- Easy to make: Just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time.
- Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap cheeses, or make it extra creamy — it’s all up to you!
The best part? The smell when it’s baking is incredible! It’s that nostalgic aroma that brings everyone running to the kitchen.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine buttery layers of thinly sliced potatoes soaking up savory beef and onions, all blanketed in a luscious cheese sauce. Each forkful is creamy, comforting, and slightly crisp on the edges — a beautiful balance between rich and hearty. Anything but boring!!
Benefits of This Recipe
- Budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients you already have.
- Family-friendly — even picky eaters clean their plates!
- Great for meal prep and potlucks.
- A complete meal in one dish, full of protein, carbs, and creamy goodness.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For 4–6 servings:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano (optional)
- ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan (for cheese sauce)
- Mixing spoon and whisk
- Sharp knife or mandoline for slicing potatoes
🔄 Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Ground turkey or Italian sausage for a twist.
- Add veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or frozen peas.
- Use Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gouda instead of cheddar.
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture
In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Drain excess fat and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Add sour cream (if using).
4. Layer It Up
In the casserole dish, arrange half the sliced potatoes in an even layer. Spoon half the beef mixture, then half the cheese sauce. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Finish with a sprinkle of cheese on top!
5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
6. Rest & Serve
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving — this helps everything set beautifully.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This casserole is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- A crisp green salad or steamed broccoli
- Garlic bread or buttered rolls
- A cool side of coleslaw or cucumber salad
💡 Tips for Perfect Results
- Slice your potatoes evenly thin so they cook uniformly.
- Shred cheese fresh for the best melt and flavor.
- Let the casserole rest before slicing — it holds together better!
- Want it extra golden? Broil for 2 minutes at the end.
🧊 Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.
ℹ️ General Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use raw beef in the casserole?
It’s best to brown the beef first for flavor and texture — plus, it ensures everything cooks evenly.
Do I need to boil the potatoes first?
No need! Slicing them thin ensures they cook perfectly in the oven.
❤️ Conclusion
There’s something magical about a bubbling, golden casserole coming out of the oven — and this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole delivers every single time. It’s simple, comforting, and guaranteed to make your table feel like home.
If you love hearty dishes like this, try my Creamy Chicken and Potato Bake or Loaded Bacon Ranch Casserole next — both are absolute crowd favorites!
📸 Join the Fun!
Tried this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ review below and share your delicious creations on Pinterest — tag your photos with #AllRecipesFun so we can see your beautiful casseroles!
🧮 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Calcium: 220 mg
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