Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese come together in one deliciously satisfying bake.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 5–6 medium russet potatoes (thinly sliced, about 1/8 inch)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra meltiness)
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for greasing the dish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
- Step 2: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth to create the sauce.
- Step 4: Begin assembling the casserole by layering half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Step 5: Spread half of the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Step 6: Pour half of the sauce over the beef and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Step 7: Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and top with the remaining cheddar and optional mozzarella cheese.
- Step 8: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Step 9: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 10: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. It pairs wonderfully with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
- Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom for a slightly different flavor.
- Swap out russet potatoes for Yukon Gold for a creamier texture.
- Top with breadcrumbs before baking uncovered for a crunchy finish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid freezing as the potatoes may become watery upon thawing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and cover it tightly, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses to customize the flavor and meltiness of the casserole.
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Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and cheesy hamburger potato casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced russet potatoes, creamy mushroom sauce, and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for an easy family dinner baked to golden, bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
Potato and Cheese Layers
- 5–6 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra meltiness)
Sauce
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup milk
Other
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika to season the mixture evenly.
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a luscious sauce for the casserole.
- Assemble Casserole – First Layer: Begin by layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, arranging them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Beef Layer: Spread half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the potato layer to create a savory middle layer.
- Sauce and Cheese: Pour half of the prepared mushroom sauce over the beef, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to add richness and flavor.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and sauce. Finish by topping with the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese for a gooey, melted top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are fully tender and the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash more milk if desired.
- Make sure potato slices are evenly thin to ensure uniform cooking.
- Covering the casserole during the first bake keeps it moist, while baking uncovered at the end crisps the cheese topping perfectly.
- Use cream of chicken soup as an alternative to cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile.
- Letting the dish rest before serving helps it hold together when sliced.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy hamburger casserole, potato casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, mushroom soup casserole
