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Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: Comfort in Every Bite
There’s nothing quite like a hearty, cheesy casserole to warm the soul, and this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole delivers just that. Layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese come together to create a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when comfort food is on the menu. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this casserole transforms everyday pantry staples into a meal everyone will love.
Why This Casserole Works
- Layered flavors: Each slice offers a perfect balance of tender potatoes, savory beef, and rich cheese.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and cream soup for easy prep.
- Family-friendly: Mild, cheesy, and satisfying — a hit with both kids and adults.
- Make-ahead option: Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready, making weeknight dinners stress-free.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika (optional)
For the Potato Layers:
- 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for greasing)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.
- Peel and thinly slice potatoes. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove from heat.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium bowl, mix cream soup, milk, garlic powder, and 1½ cups of shredded cheese. Stir until smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the beef.
- Add remaining potato slices on top, then pour remaining cheese sauce over them.
- Sprinkle remaining ½ cup shredded cheese on top for a golden crust.
5. Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to set layers.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Top with fresh parsley or chives for color and freshness.
- Pair with a simple tomato sauce or gravy for extra richness.
Tips for Perfect Casserole
- Even slicing: Thin, uniform potato slices ensure they cook evenly and layer perfectly.
- Drain beef fat: Prevents a greasy casserole and keeps flavors balanced.
- Cheese variations: Try a mix of cheddar and mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra gooeyness.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 extra minutes if baking cold.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for quick meals. Casserole can also be frozen: wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is everything comfort food should be: warm, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s a one-dish meal that pleases the whole family and can be adapted with different cheeses, seasonings, or vegetables. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you simply want a cozy meal that hits all the right notes.
Once you try this casserole, it will quickly become a staple in