Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, layering hearty ground beef, tender slices of potato, and rich, melty cheddar into one cozy dish.

It combines the rustic simplicity of meat and potatoes with the creamy indulgence of cheese and soup, creating a casserole that’s both filling and soul-warming. Each layer soaks up flavor from the seasoned beef and velvety sauce, while the golden, bubbly topping delivers that irresistible finish.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a satisfying one-pan meal, this casserole captures the essence of homestyle cooking at its best.

Why People Will Love Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole:

Classic comfort in every bite – combines hearty beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheddar for a dish that feels warm and nostalgic.

Layers of flavor and texture – soft potatoes absorb the creamy sauce, while melted cheese creates richness and a golden crust on top.

One-pan convenience – everything bakes together in a single dish, making it easy to prepare, serve, and clean up.

Budget-friendly and filling – uses simple, affordable ingredients to create a generous meal that feeds a family.

Versatile and customizable – easy to adapt with different cheeses, seasonings, or add-ins like vegetables, bacon, or herbs.

Perfect for gatherings – comforting, shareable, and crowd-pleasing, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.

Great for leftovers – reheats beautifully, allowing flavors to meld even more the next day.

Key Ingredients:

Ground beef – the hearty backbone of the casserole, adding savory richness and a meaty depth that anchors the entire dish.

Potatoes – thinly sliced and layered, they absorb the creamy sauce while offering tender, comforting bites that balance the richness of the beef and cheese.

Cheddar cheese – sharp and melty, it infuses every layer with tangy creaminess and creates a golden, bubbly crust on top.

Cheddar cheese soup mix – blends seamlessly with milk to form a velvety sauce that ties the potatoes and beef together.

Onion – sautéed with the beef, it adds sweetness and a subtle aromatic base that enhances the flavor of every layer.

Evaporated milk – richer than regular milk, it intensifies the creamy texture and provides a luscious consistency to the sauce.

Expert Tips:

Slice potatoes evenly – keep them at about ¼-inch thickness for even cooking. Thicker slices will take longer to soften, while thinner ones may break down too much. A mandoline slicer can help ensure consistency.

Precook dense vegetables if adding – carrots, broccoli, or other firm vegetables should be lightly steamed or sautéed before layering, so they cook at the same rate as the potatoes.

Brown the beef properly – cook ground beef until well-browned, not just until it turns gray. This develops deep caramelized flavor and prevents excess grease in the casserole.

Season in layers – lightly season each potato layer with salt and pepper before adding meat and cheese. This ensures the flavor runs throughout the dish instead of being concentrated only on top.

Mix cheese varieties – while cheddar gives bold flavor, mixing in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère adds complexity and creates a smoother melt.

Let it rest before serving – after baking, allow the casserole to sit for 10–15 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes slicing and serving easier.

Foil control for baking – cover tightly with foil for the first hour to trap steam and soften the potatoes. Remove foil toward the end for a golden, bubbly top.

Test doneness with a knife – insert a sharp knife into the center; if it glides through easily with no resistance, the potatoes are fully cooked.

Make ahead convenience – assemble the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Upgrade with garnishes – sprinkle fresh parsley, chives, or green onions before serving for brightness and color contrast.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Ingredients

1 pound crumbled ground beef

1 yellow onion, diced

3 to 4 pounds of potatoes, peeled and sliced

8 ounces, or more Cheddar Cheese, shredded

1 can Cheddar Cheese soup mix

12 ounces evaporated milk, or whole milk

½ cup milk

1 tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350*

Spray a 9×13 baking dish with a non stick cooking spray

In a large skillet, add the onion and ground beef and cook until the meat is done

Slice the potatoes to about ¼” slices

Add one layer of potatoes to the bottom of the baking pan

Sprinkle with salt and pepper

Top with approximately ⅓ of the meat mixture and spread evenly over the potatoes

Sprinkle with ⅓ of the shredded cheese

Repeat this two more times in layers

The last layer should be the remaining cheese

In a bowl, combine the Cheddar cheese soup mix, the milk and the evaporated milk, with optional salt and pepper if desired

Pour the soup mix over the top of the potatoes and beef mixture

Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil and place in the oven

Bake for one hour

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to get a golden topping on the cheese.

If the potatoes are thicker, you will need to bake the dish longer

Enjoy!

Important Notes When Making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole:

Potato choice matters – starchy varieties like Russet yield a soft, creamy texture as they absorb the sauce, while waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold hold their shape better for distinct layers.

Drain excess grease – after browning the beef and onions, drain any excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming heavy or greasy.

Cheese quantity is flexible – 8 ounces works well, but adding more will make the dish richer and cheesier. A balance between flavor and meltability is key.

Soup mix consistency – combining cheddar cheese soup with evaporated milk creates the creamy sauce. Whole milk can be used, but the texture will be slightly thinner.

Layering is crucial – keep layers even, alternating potatoes, beef, and cheese. Uneven layers can lead to overcooked edges and undercooked centers.

Covering during baking – foil is essential for the first hour to help the potatoes steam and soften properly. Removing the foil later ensures the cheese topping gets golden and bubbly.

Check doneness before serving – potato thickness may vary; always test the center with a knife or fork before removing from the oven. If it doesn’t slide through easily, extend baking time.

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Rest before slicing – allow the casserole to cool slightly after baking. This helps the sauce set and keeps slices intact rather than falling apart.

Seasoning balance – the cheddar soup and cheese already bring saltiness, so adjust salt sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

Storage and reheating – leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat nicely in the oven, covered, to maintain moisture.

How To Enjoy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole After Cooking:

1. Let It Rest Before Serving

After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to sit for 10–15 minutes. This resting period lets the sauce settle and the layers firm up, making it easier to slice neatly while still staying creamy.

2. Serve Generously in Slices

Cut the casserole into squares or wedges, scooping down to capture every layer of potato, beef, and cheese. A wide spatula works best to keep the serving intact.

3. Pair with Complementary Sides

Fresh balance: Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Vegetable add-ons: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or sautéed zucchini bring color and freshness.
Bread companion: A slice of crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls helps soak up the creamy sauce.

4. Enhance with Garnishes

Sprinkle with chopped parsley, chives, or green onions right before serving for a burst of freshness and color contrast. A dollop of sour cream can add tangy richness.

5. Best Way to Reheat Leftovers

Oven method (recommended): Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through, which keeps the potatoes moist and cheese gooey.

Microwave shortcut: Heat single portions in short intervals, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

6. When to Serve

Weeknight comfort: Perfect as a filling family dinner after a long day.
Potluck favorite: Travels well, feeds a crowd, and is guaranteed to be a hit.
Cold-weather meal: Its hearty, cheesy layers make it especially satisfying in fall and winter.

7. Creative Leftover Uses

Scoop into a tortilla for a cheesy beef-and-potato wrap.

Serve with a fried egg on top for a hearty breakfast hash.

Layer inside a bread roll and toast for a cheesy casserole sandwich.

Nutrition Information:

For Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole (per serving, based on 8 servings from a 9×13 dish):

Recipe Swaps and Variations

Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Add veggies like corn, peas, or spinach between layers for extra nutrition.

Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cheese soup for a more savory twist.

Top with crushed crackers or crispy fried onions for texture.

Try a Tex-Mex twist by adding taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze fully cooked casserole portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Reheat: In the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe if you prefer a leaner meat option.

Can I use different types of cheese?

While Cheddar cheese is the primary cheese used in this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for different flavor variations.

Can I make this casserole in advance and reheat it?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it.

When you’re ready to serve, preheat the oven and bake it according to the recipe instructions.

You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

Is the evaporated milk necessary, or can I use regular milk?

Evaporated milk is used to make the dish creamier and richer, but you can use whole milk as a substitute if you prefer.

The flavor and texture may be slightly different, but it should still work well.

Can I add vegetables like peas or carrots to the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize this casserole by adding vegetables of your choice.

Peas, carrots, or corn would be great additions and can enhance the nutritional value of the dish.

Can I use different types of potatoes for this casserole?

Yes, you can use different types of potatoes, such as russet, red, or Yukon Gold, depending on your preference.

Each type of potato will give a slightly different texture and flavor to the casserole.

What can I use as a substitute for Cheddar Cheese soup mix?

If you don’t have Cheddar Cheese soup mix, you can make a simple cheese sauce using ingredients like butter, flour, milk, and shredded Cheddar cheese.

There are many homemade recipes available online to create a cheese sauce from scratch.

Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

While the recipe suggests peeling the potatoes, it’s not strictly necessary.

Leaving the potato skins on can add extra texture and nutrition to the dish.

Simply make sure to wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly if you choose to leave the skins on.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance and freeze it?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze it before baking.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake it directly from the freezer, adding extra baking time as needed until it’s hot and bubbly.

Can I add vegetables like broccoli or peas to this casserole?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to customize the casserole.

You can blanch or steam vegetables like broccoli or peas and layer them between the potato and meat layers for added flavor and nutrition.