Description
If you love comfort food that’s rich, hearty, and packed with cheesy goodness, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is for you! Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese come together in a creamy, savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this casserole is budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it ahead of time or serving it fresh from the oven, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (lean or regular)
- 4 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold, thinly sliced)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra creaminess)
- Cooking spray or butter (to grease the baking dish)
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes into even rounds.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic; cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and another ½ cup of cheese.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and melted butter.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring it seeps into the layers.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Want extra creaminess? Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of cheddar or cream of chicken.
- Vegetable Boost: Add layers of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Spicy Twist: Mix in chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Tip: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts with a damp paper towel on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Fat: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~20g