Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Let me tell you a little story. Last winter, on one of those freezing Midwest nights when you can’t even feel your fingers, I decided to pull out this cheesy hamburger potato casserole recipe. Trust me, I wasn’t trying to get fancy—I just wanted something that would warm up my belly and make the house smell like comfort.

This dish is the kind of food that makes you feel like home, no matter where you are. Layers of ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese—it’s a hug in the form of a casserole.

The first time I made this, I had a couple of friends over to watch football. I wasn’t sure how it would go. But man, when I pulled it out of the oven, bubbling and golden, everybody dropped their beers and lined up for a plate. It didn’t even last ten minutes. That’s when I knew I had a winner.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this cheesy hamburger potato casserole recipe:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or mushroom soup

• ½ cup milk

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional toppings:

• Crispy fried onions

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra shredded cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion soft. Add garlic and cook for one more minute. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Drain excess fat.

3. Layer the Casserole: Spread half the potatoes in the dish, top with half the beef, and sprinkle half the cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese.

4. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, cream soup, and milk until smooth. Pour over the casserole.

5. Bake Covered: Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes.

6. Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender and top is golden. Add crispy fried onions or extra cheese in the last 5 minutes if you like.

7. Cool & Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Tips & Variations

• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicier kick.

• Add veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to bulk it up.

• Make it Tex-Mex style: toss in taco seasoning and top with jalapeños.

• Want it creamier? Use heavy cream instead of milk.

If you love cozy dinners like this, you’ll definitely wanna try this Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. It’s another classic that warms the soul.

FAQ

Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. I’ve done this plenty of times before game day. Just assemble everything, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready, though you might need an extra 10 minutes in the oven since it’s starting cold.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken or mushroom soup?
No worries. You can make a quick substitute with a roux: melt 2 tbsp butter, stir in 2 tbsp flour, then whisk in 1 cup milk until thickened. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder—you’ve got yourself a homemade creamy base.

Storage

Leftovers (if you have any) keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Store in an airtight container. To reheat, just pop it in the oven at 350°F until warm, or microwave individual portions.

This dish also freezes surprisingly well. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

• Yield: Serves 6 hungry people

Tools Used

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Mixing bowls

• Skillet

• Aluminum foil

• Sharp knife & cutting board

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole for Busy Weeknights

When you’re short on time but craving something filling, this cheesy hamburger potato casserole recipe is the way to go. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and doesn’t need any complicated ingredients.

For another cheesy, hearty option, check out these Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs. They’re just as fun and flavorful.

Why This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Works

It’s all about layers. Thinly sliced potatoes soak up the creamy sauce while ground beef adds savory flavor. Then you’ve got that melted cheese blanket on top—yeah, you’re gonna love this.

And if you want something sweet after dinner, this Blueberry Sour Cream Pound Cake makes the perfect dessert pairing.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, nothing beats a hearty casserole. This cheesy hamburger potato casserole recipe checks all the boxes: easy, comforting, and loaded with flavor.

If you’re looking for even more comfort food inspiration, take a peek at AllRecipes’ casserole collection. You’ll find dozens of variations to keep dinner fresh.