Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes capture the heart quite like a warm, bubbling casserole straight out of the oven.
The Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect example of this—hearty, filling, and full of familiar flavors that remind you of home. It combines tender slices of potatoes layered with seasoned ground beef, onions, and plenty of gooey cheddar cheese, all tied together with a rich, creamy cheese sauce.
The result is a dish that’s simple to prepare yet satisfying enough to please the entire family.
This recipe is especially loved because it strikes the balance between rustic, old-fashioned cooking and modern convenience.
The layers bake together into a casserole that not only fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas but also delivers forkful after forkful of cheesy, beefy goodness.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck with friends, or just craving a classic comfort meal, the Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is always a winning choice.
Why This Recipe Works
The brilliance of the Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole lies in its combination of simple, everyday ingredients prepared in a thoughtful way:
Layering Technique – By layering potatoes, beef, and cheese, you ensure that every bite is perfectly balanced with creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors.
Creamy Cheese Sauce – The cheddar soup mixed with evaporated milk creates a smooth, luscious sauce that seeps through the potatoes as it bakes, ensuring they come out tender and infused with flavor.
One-Dish Wonder – Everything cooks together in the oven, saving you both time and dishes.
Customizable – This casserole can easily be tailored with different cheeses, added veggies, or seasonings to suit your taste.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
It’s these details that transform a handful of humble ingredients into a casserole that feels indulgent and homey at the same time.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
To make the Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ground beef (1 pound, crumbled) – Lean ground beef works best for a balanced flavor and texture.
Yellow onion (1 medium, diced) – Adds natural sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
Potatoes (3 to 4 pounds, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds) – The backbone of the casserole; russets or Yukon golds are excellent choices.
Cheddar cheese (8 ounces or more, shredded) – Sharp cheddar gives a bold, tangy flavor, while mild cheddar provides creaminess. Use a mix for the best of both worlds.
Cheddar cheese soup (1 can, 10.5 oz) – Forms the base of the cheese sauce, giving it body and richness.
Evaporated milk or whole milk (12 ounces) – Evaporated milk adds creaminess without excess wateriness.
Regular milk (½ cup) – Thins out the sauce just enough for even pouring.
Salt (1 teaspoon) – Enhances all the flavors.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon) – Adds a subtle kick.
Non-stick cooking spray – Keeps the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Optional add-ins and variations:
Garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
A handful of vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers.
Different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby.
How To Make This Recipe
Making the Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is straightforward, but the step-by-step layering is what makes it so delicious. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat the Oven & Prep the Baking Dish
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
In a large skillet, cook 1 pound ground beef and 1 medium diced onion over medium-high heat.
Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened (about 7–10 minutes).
Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
3. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel 3 to 4 pounds of potatoes.
Slice into ¼-inch rounds. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking. A mandoline makes this easier.
4. Assemble the Layers
Start with a layer of sliced potatoes in the baking dish.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Spread ⅓ of the beef-onion mixture on top.
Sprinkle with ⅓ of the shredded cheese.
Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with cheese on top.
5. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1 can cheddar cheese soup
12 oz evaporated milk
½ cup regular milk
Season with salt and pepper if desired.
6. Pour & Bake (Covered)
Slowly pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layers.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour.
7. Uncover & Finish Baking
Remove foil.
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
If potatoes are thicker than ¼ inch, add 15–20 minutes covered bake time.
8. Rest & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
Slice Evenly – Consistency in potato slices ensures even cooking.
Cheese Choices – Mix sharp and mild cheddar for the best flavor.
Check Doneness – Pierce potatoes with a fork to confirm they’re fully tender before removing from the oven.
Prevent Dryness – Don’t skimp on the cheese sauce; it keeps the casserole creamy.
Make Ahead – Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes to the bake time.
Storage – Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave.
Freezing – Freeze baked casserole portions wrapped tightly in foil for up to 2 months.
How To Serve
The Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is best served hot and fresh out of the oven after resting for a few minutes. Use a sharp spatula to scoop out neat squares, keeping the potato layers intact.
It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or even a side of garlic bread. Since it’s rich and hearty, lighter sides are the perfect complement.
Serving Suggestions
Family Dinner – Serve as the main dish with roasted broccoli or green beans.
Potluck Favorite – Bring to gatherings; it stays warm and reheats easily.
Comfort Meal – Pair with a bowl of tomato soup for a nostalgic diner-style feel.
Weeknight Leftovers – Reheat single portions for quick lunches or dinners.
Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 50 minutes
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a true family tradition in the making.
With its simple ingredients, layered method, and creamy cheese sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.
It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and versatile enough to adapt to your family’s tastes.
So, the next time you’re craving something comforting, gather up some potatoes, ground beef, and cheese, and whip up this timeless dish.
Your family will thank you—and your kitchen will smell like pure comfort.