Comfort food at its finest—savory beef, tender potatoes, and rich, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Introduction
Few dishes say “comfort food” quite like a hearty casserole. This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole combines the savory flavor of seasoned ground beef, tender slices of potato, and layers of melted cheddar cheese—topped off with a creamy, rich cheese sauce. It’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Even better? It all comes together in one baking dish with minimal prep and cleanup. Let’s dive into how you can create this crowd-pleasing classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 pound ground beef, crumbled
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 to 4 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
8 ounces (or more) shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cheddar cheese soup
12 ounces evaporated milk (or substitute with whole milk)
½ cup regular milk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Non-stick cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion. Sauté for about 7 to 10 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.
Drain any excess fat and set the mixture aside.
3. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and slice them into even ¼-inch thick rounds. Uniform slices are key to even cooking, and using a mandoline slicer can make this step fast and easy.
4. Assemble the Casserole Layers
Begin layering the ingredients in the prepared baking dish.
Start with a single layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom.
Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
Spoon over one-third of the cooked beef and onion mixture.
Top with one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Repeat these layers two more times—potatoes, seasoning, beef mixture, and cheese. Finish with a final layer of shredded cheese on top.
5. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk (or whole milk), and regular milk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Pour Sauce and Bake (Covered)
Slowly pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered casserole, allowing it to seep into all the layers.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
7. Uncover and Finish Baking
After the first hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
Note: If your potato slices are thicker than ¼ inch, you may need to extend the covered bake time by 15 to 20 minutes to ensure they’re tender.
8. Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This rest time allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes slicing easier.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with:
A crisp green salad
Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Freeze (Before Baking): Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow baking instructions as usual.
Why This Casserole Works
One-pan meal: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor
Family-friendly: Simple ingredients and familiar flavors that everyone loves
Make-ahead friendly: Prep in advance and bake when ready
Rich and satisfying: A cheesy, beefy dish that hits all the right notes of comfort food
Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for something hearty and nostalgic, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a classic that never disappoints.
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