If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dinner that can feed a crowd without a lot of hassle, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is exactly what you need. With layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and plenty of gooey, melted cheese, it’s a satisfying meal that everyone in the family will love. Plus, you can prepare it in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to eat—perfect for busy weeknights or even special occasions like Easter or brunch gatherings.
This casserole is easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly filling. It’s one of those recipes that gets better with every bite and is bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole:
Hearty & Filling: Ground beef and potatoes make this a satisfying meal that will keep everyone full and happy.
Cheesy Goodness: Loads of shredded Cheddar cheese create that perfect melty, creamy texture.
Make Ahead: Prep it in advance and bake when you’re ready to serve, saving you time during the week.
Crowd-Pleasing: A dish everyone can get behind, from picky eaters to food lovers.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef, crumbled
(Lean ground beef works best to avoid too much grease, but any type will do. You could even swap in turkey or chicken for a lighter version.)
1 yellow onion, diced
(The onion adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the savory casserole.)
3 to 4 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced
(Yukon Gold or russet potatoes are ideal for this dish. Make sure they’re sliced evenly for uniform cooking.)
8 ounces (or more) shredded Cheddar cheese
(Use a good sharp Cheddar for maximum flavor. Feel free to add extra cheese if you love it extra cheesy!)
1 can Cheddar cheese soup
(This adds richness and creaminess to the casserole base, blending beautifully with the potatoes.)
12 ounces evaporated milk (or substitute with whole milk)
(Evaporated milk gives the casserole a creamy texture, but regular whole milk will also work fine.)
½ cup milk
(You’ll need a bit of regular milk to help make the casserole nice and creamy.)
1 teaspoon salt
(To season the casserole perfectly.)
½ teaspoon black pepper
(For just the right amount of seasoning.)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the casserole without drying out the potatoes.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once the beef is browned and cooked through, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Drain off any excess grease if necessary.
3. Prepare the Casserole Base:
In a separate bowl, combine the Cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, regular milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed. This will be the creamy base that holds everything together.
4. Layer the Casserole:
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the casserole starting with half of the sliced potatoes. Spread them out evenly in the dish. Then, layer half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture on top of the potatoes. Pour half of the soup and milk mixture over the meat. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, soup and milk mixture, and finish off with the remaining cheese.
5. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld together. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the cheese melt and become golden and bubbly.
6. Let It Rest:
Once the casserole is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set, making it easier to cut into neat squares.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Scoop out generous portions of this cheesy, comforting casserole and enjoy! It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole:
Slice the Potatoes Evenly: Try to slice the potatoes as uniformly as possible so they cook evenly. Thin slices work best for getting that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, but add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to account for the chill.
Customize the Meat: Feel free to swap ground beef for other proteins like ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a flavor variation.
Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in some vegetables, try adding a layer of sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with the beef. You can even throw in a handful of frozen peas or corn.
Top it Off: For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs over the casserole in the last 5 minutes of baking for a golden crust.
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. It’s simple, filling, and customizable, making it the ideal dish for busy weeknights, holiday spreads, or anytime you need a cozy meal that pleases a crowd. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!
