Introduction

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender potatoes with savory ground beef and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is easy to assemble and delivers rich flavors in every bite.

A white baking dish holds a layered casserole with a golden, bubbly top layer of melted cheese, browned in spots with small green herb sprinkles. The top layer is thin, slightly crisp, and yellow-orange. Below it are alternating layers of tender, pale yellow potato slices and browned minced meat mixed with creamy sauce. The layers are distinct and stacked evenly, showing a creamy and hearty texture. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
Step 2: In a skillet, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until fully browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
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 evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
Step 6: Pour half of the soup sauce over the beef, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 7: Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and sauce. Finish by topping with the remaining cheddar cheese and the shredded mozzarella, if using.
Step 8: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 9: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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 the beef.
Use cream of chicken soup if you prefer a milder flavor.
Try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra veggies.
Thinly slice potatoes evenly to ensure they cook through properly.
Covering the casserole during the first part of baking helps retain moisture and cook potatoes thoroughly.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up slice of a layered dish on a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface shows at least four distinct layers: the bottom and third layers consist of soft, creamy white potato slices, the second and fourth layers contain browned ground meat with a slightly chunky texture mixed with a creamy sauce, and the top layer is golden-brown melted cheese with some crispy, darker spots and small green herb sprigs sprinkled on top. The edges of the dish have some sauce leaking out slightly, and in the blurred background, the rest of the dish in a white bowl is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, Yukon gold or red potatoes can work, but russet potatoes are best for their texture and ability to absorb flavors. Adjust baking time if your slices are thicker or from different potato varieties.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk seasoned with salt and pepper to keep the casserole creamy.