This Cheesy Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef with tender potatoes, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying, making it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves classic comfort food.

A Family Favorite: The Story Behind Our Hamburger and Potato Casserole

In our household, nothing says comfort like this Hamburger and Potato Casserole. My husband has always been a fan of hearty, home-cooked meals, and this recipe quickly became one of his favorites. It’s a dish that reminds me of the meals my grandmother used to make, full of love and warmth. The kids love it too, especially with that gooey layer of melted cheese on top. Whenever I serve this casserole, it feels like we’re gathering around for something special, even on the busiest of days. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a reminder of the simple joys of home-cooked food and family time.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Hearty and Filling: This casserole is packed with ground beef and potatoes, making it a substantial and satisfying meal.
Cheesy Goodness: The combination of gooey cheese and creamy sauce makes every bite irresistible.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean means more time to enjoy with your family.
Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite veggies, spices, or cheese blends.

Ingredients Notes For Cheesy Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe, but you can also use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for added flavor.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds a rich, creamy base to the casserole. You can also use cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics enhance the flavor of the ground beef and add depth to the dish.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Cheesy Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.

Prepare the Potatoes: Thinly slice the potatoes, either with a knife or a mandoline slicer for uniform thickness.

Assemble the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes. Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes, then repeat the layers. Pour cream of mushroom soup evenly over the top.

Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness with your favorite side salad or vegetable.

Storage Options

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Variations & Substitutions

Add Veggies: Mix in vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chili powder to the beef mixture for a little kick.
Swap the Meat: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten up the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Q2: Can I use different types of cheese?
A2: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gouda, Swiss, or a Mexican blend for a unique twist.

Q3: How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A3: Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q4: What can I serve with this casserole?
A4: This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.

Q5: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A5: Yes, frozen diced potatoes or hash browns can be used to save time. Just thaw and drain any excess water before using.

Hamburger and Potato

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion chopped
4-5 medium potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika optional
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
1 cup beef broth or water
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add the Potatoes: Layer the thinly sliced potatoes on top of the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
Add Broth and Simmer: Pour the beef broth or water over the potatoes and ground beef mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Optional Cheese Topping: If you want a cheesy topping, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cover the skillet again to allow the cheese to melt.
Serve: Once the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.