Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes.
Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this casserole layers savory ingredients into a warm, cheesy delight that everyone will love.
Easy to prepare and satisfying, it’s a great way to bring comfort food to your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Comfort Food Classic: The combination of tender potatoes, hearty ground beef, and melty cheese creates the ultimate comfort food that’s both filling and satisfying, perfect for family dinners.
Rich Flavor Layers: With layers of savory meat, creamy cheese, and seasoned potatoes, each bite is packed with rich flavors that appeal to all ages.
Easy and Convenient: This recipe is simple to make, with straightforward steps that allow you to assemble the dish quickly. Plus, it can be made ahead and baked when ready, saving time on busy days.
Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Who doesn’t love cheese? The generous amount of cheddar cheese adds a gooey, melty texture that makes the casserole irresistible.
Hearty and Filling: With the combination of potatoes and ground beef, this casserole provides a balanced, satisfying meal that sticks with you and keeps everyone full for hours.
Key Ingredients:
Ground beef (1 pound)
Yellow onion (1, diced)
Potatoes (3 to 4 pounds, peeled and sliced)
Cheddar cheese (8 ounces or more, shredded)
Cheddar cheese soup mix (1 can)
Evaporated milk (12 ounces)
Whole milk (½ cup)
Salt and pepper to taste
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!
Notes:
Potato Variety: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a fluffier texture, or Yukon Golds for a creamier result.
Ground Beef Alternatives: You can substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Layering: Feel free to add layers of other vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Options: While Cheddar cheese is traditional, mixing in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda can add depth to the flavor.
Cooking Time: If your potato slices are thicker than ¼ inch, you may need to extend the baking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Freezing: You can freeze this casserole before baking. Just ensure it’s well wrapped and use it within 2-3 months.
Spice it Up: Add spices like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor profile.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 480 calories | Protein: 24 grams | Carbohydrates: 29 grams | Dietary Fiber: 2 grams | Sugars: 5 grams | Total Fat: 30 grams | Saturated Fat: 14 grams | Cholesterol: 95 mg | Sodium: 920 mg
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Large skillet
Cutting board & knife
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Foil
Measuring cups & spoons
Cheese grater (if shredding your own)
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.
Food and Drink Pairings
Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up extra cheesy sauce.
Crisp Green Salad – Adds a refreshing crunch to balance the richness.
Roasted Broccoli or Green Beans – A simple side to lighten the meal.
Iced Tea or Sparkling Water – Refreshing drink options to cut the richness.
Cabernet Sauvignon or Amber Ale – Pairs beautifully with cheesy, savory casseroles.
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.