Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

A Comfort Food Classic with Layers of Flavor, Creamy Cheese, and Hearty Goodness

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep, look no further than this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole. It’s hearty, cheesy, filling, and made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients — all baked together into one bubbly, golden, irresistible dish.

This casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, a rich creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s like a mashup of a hamburger, scalloped potatoes, and mac & cheese — and it’s just as delicious as it sounds.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6–8
Leftovers: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole:

1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
5–6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
½ cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil.
Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Add the diced onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using), and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This creamy mixture will act as the sauce that brings everything together.

4. Layer the Casserole

Now it’s time to assemble:

First layer: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Second layer: Spoon a portion of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
Third layer: Drizzle some of the creamy soup mixture over the beef.
Sprinkle: Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Repeat the layers (potatoes → beef → sauce → cheese) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

5. Bake

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

6. Let it Rest & Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps it set a bit so it’s easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, creamy, beefy goodness!

Storage & Reheating Tips

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze individual portions wrapped well for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of milk if it looks dry.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Shortcut: Use frozen hash browns instead of slicing potatoes for a quicker version.
Add veggies: Toss in some frozen peas, corn, or green beans with the meat for extra nutrition.
Cheese swaps: Mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a sharp cheddar blend for different flavors.
Spicy kick: Add a dash of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.