Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Looking for a delicious, hearty meal that will satisfy the whole family? This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It's a creamy, cheesy, and filling dish that combines ground beef, tender potatoes, and lots of melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Ready to impress your family and friends with this savory delight? Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this irresistible dish step-by-step.

---

What is Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole?

The Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a layered dish that features seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced or diced potatoes, a creamy sauce, and a generous amount of cheese baked until bubbly and golden brown. It’s a combination of a casserole and a cheeseburger, but with potatoes taking the place of the bun! The best part about this dish is that it’s incredibly easy to customize with different cheeses, vegetables, and seasonings. Whether you're feeding picky eaters or trying to whip up something easy yet delicious, this casserole never disappoints.

---

Ingredients List for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

To make this rich and cheesy casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef – Lean ground beef works best, but any type will do. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
• 4 medium-sized potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their texture and ability to absorb flavors.
• 1 onion – Diced. It adds a nice flavor base to the beef.
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced for an extra flavor punch.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – You can use any type of melting cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup – This forms the creamy base for the casserole.
• ½ cup milk – Helps to thin the soup and create a creamy texture.
• ½ teaspoon paprika – For a mild kick of flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning the layers.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the ground beef and onions.

---

Additional Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

While the basic ingredients listed above create a delicious casserole, you can enhance the flavor by adding these optional ingredients:

• ½ cup sour cream – For a creamier consistency and slight tang.
• ½ cup bacon bits – For added crunch and smoky flavor.
• ¼ cup green onions – Adds freshness and color as a garnish.
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning – Gives the casserole a fragrant herbal note.
• 2 cups frozen peas or corn – Adds a pop of color and some veggies to the mix.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs – Sprinkled on top for a crispy finish.

---

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to adapt this recipe to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or crumbled tofu. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to bulk it up.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs, or omit the breadcrumbs entirely.
• Healthier Version: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to reduce the fat content. You can also use reduced-fat cheese and milk for a lighter version.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture for those who like a little heat.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Follow these easy steps to make your delicious Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
2. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes. Slice them into thin rounds (about ¼-inch thick). If you prefer, you can dice the potatoes instead for smaller bites.
3. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Season the Beef: Stir in the paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk. If you’re adding sour cream for extra creaminess, mix it in now.
6. Layer the Casserole: Begin by arranging a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, spoon half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the soup mixture on top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the layers. Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients, ending with a final sprinkle of cheese on top.
7. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
8. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers to set and make it easier to cut into neat slices.

---

How to Cook Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking a Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is all about layering flavors and ingredients properly to ensure every bite is packed with cheesy, beefy goodness. Here's a quick recap of the essential steps:

1. Preheat oven and prepare your baking dish.
2. Slice potatoes thinly and cook ground beef with onions and garlic.
3. Mix soup and milk for the creamy sauce.
4. Layer the potatoes, beef mixture, soup, and cheese in the dish.
5. Bake covered, then uncovered, until golden and bubbly.
6. Let the casserole rest before serving for the best results.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time, avoid these common mistakes:

• Not slicing the potatoes evenly: Uneven potato slices can cause some pieces to be undercooked while others are mushy. Try to slice them as uniformly as possible.
• Skipping the resting period: After baking, let the casserole sit for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to firm up and prevents it from being too runny.
• Not draining the beef: If you don't drain excess fat from the beef, the casserole can turn out greasy.
• Using too much cheese: While cheese is delicious, too much can overwhelm the dish and make it too rich. Stick to the recommended amount, or add more in moderation.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation plays a big role in how appetizing a dish looks, even something as homey as a casserole. Here are some ideas to serve your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole beautifully:

• Serve in Individual Portions: Use a spatula to carefully cut and serve the casserole in neat squares. Top each portion with a garnish of chopped green onions or fresh parsley.
• Add a Fresh Side Salad: Pair the casserole with a light side salad to balance out the rich flavors. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette works perfectly.
• Use a Cast Iron Skillet: If you want a more rustic presentation, bake and serve the casserole directly in a cast-iron skillet.

---

How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

This hearty dish can be served as a complete meal, but you can also complement it with some side dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• With a crisp side salad – A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls – Add some crusty bread to mop up any cheesy, creamy goodness from your plate.
• Steamed veggies – Lightly steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans are a great way to add some more nutrition and color to your plate.

---

Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Enhance the presentation of your casserole with these creative touches:

• Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or green onions over the top for a fresh pop of color.
• Serve in a Pretty Casserole Dish: Bake and serve the casserole in a decorative oven-to-table dish to make it look more inviting.
• Add a Crumb Topping: For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

---

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are some final tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfect:

• Use a Mandoline: If you have one, use a mandoline slicer for even potato slices.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Freeze leftovers in individual portions for a quick and easy future meal.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked potatoes?
A: Yes, using pre-cooked or par-boiled potatoes can cut down on cooking time. Just be careful not to overcook them, or they may become mushy.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely! Let the casserole cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Definitely! Feel free to mix and match cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

---

Conclusion

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines simple ingredients into one delicious, hearty meal. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to please a crowd, this casserole is sure to satisfy. Don’t be afraid to get creative with substitutions and add-ins, making it your own signature recipe. Serve it up with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal.

Print