Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

This hearty cheesy hamburger potato casserole combines layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese into one satisfying dish that feeds a crowd. The comforting combination of familiar flavors makes this casserole a family favorite that’s both filling and budget-friendly. With simple preparation and hands-off baking time, this easy recipe delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 55 mins
Total Time: 80 mins
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• Cooking spray for greasing

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the potatoes. Wash, peel, and slice the potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline. Place sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the meat mixture.
3. Cook the ground beef. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the meat is browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
4. Add aromatics. Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet and add diced onion to the empty space. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Season the meat mixture. Stir in the onion soup mix, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne if using. Mix everything together and cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Create the cream sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be creamy without lumps.
7. Drain and season potatoes. Drain the potato slices and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
8. Layer the casserole. Arrange half of the potato slices in an overlapping pattern in the prepared baking dish. Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
9. Add remaining layers. Layer the remaining potato slices over the cheese, then pour the cream sauce mixture evenly over the top, using a spoon to spread it to all corners. The sauce should coat the potatoes but not completely submerge them.
10. Top with cheese. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface, creating a generous cheese layer that will become golden during baking.
11. Bake covered initially. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
12. Finish uncovered. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the edges are slightly crispy.
13. Rest before serving. Allow the cheesy hamburger potato casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes cutting and serving much easier.

Tips for Success

Choose the right potatoes. Russet potatoes work best for this casserole because they hold their shape during the long baking process and absorb flavors well. Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent alternative for a creamier texture.

Slice consistently. Uniform potato thickness ensures even cooking throughout the casserole. A mandoline slicer makes this task much easier and more precise than using a knife.

Don’t skip the resting step. Ground beef releases moisture during cooking, so draining excess fat prevents a greasy casserole. Let the meat mixture cool slightly before layering.

Test for doneness. The casserole is ready when a knife slides easily through all layers and the top is golden brown with bubbling edges.

Prevent overcooking. If the cheese browns too quickly, tent the dish with foil during the final 10 minutes of baking.

Recipe Variations

Loaded potato version: Add crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños, and green onions between the layers for a loaded baked potato flavor profile.

Mexican-style casserole: Replace the onion soup mix with taco seasoning, use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella, and add diced green chiles and corn kernels.

Vegetable-enhanced: Layer in frozen mixed vegetables or fresh bell peppers with the ground beef for added nutrition and color.

Lighter version: Use ground turkey instead of beef, reduce cheese by half, and substitute Greek yogurt for half the sour cream to cut calories while maintaining flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cheesy hamburger potato casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as they meld together. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes on medium power, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

This casserole freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add 10-15 minutes to the reheating time for frozen portions.

Nutritional Highlights

Each serving of this cheesy hamburger potato casserole provides substantial protein from the ground beef and cheese, along with potassium and vitamin C from the potatoes. The combination creates a satisfying meal that keeps hunger at bay for hours. At approximately 420 calories per serving, it’s a reasonable main dish when paired with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a crisp side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed broccoli or green beans provide color and nutrition that complement the creamy, cheesy flavors perfectly.

For casual entertaining, this cheesy hamburger potato casserole works wonderfully for potluck dinners, family gatherings, or game day meals. Garnish individual servings with fresh chives or chopped green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens each bite.