If you’ve been searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further.
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—layers of tender, buttery potatoes, juicy seasoned ground beef, and creamy, melty cheddar cheese, all baked together into bubbling, golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole kitchen smell inviting, coaxing everyone to the table before you’ve even set it.

The first time I made this was on a blustery winter evening when the wind was rattling the windows. We were all craving something hearty, something that would fill the house with warmth and comfort. This casserole did exactly that—and let’s just say, there were no leftovers.

You’ll love how easy it is to pull together with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. It’s budget-friendly, endlessly adaptable, and just as delicious the next day. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday family meal, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Creamy, and Comforting

Imagine your fork sinking into a stack of thin, tender potato slices, perfectly baked until they’re just soft enough to melt in your mouth. The ground beef is juicy and flavorful, tucked between the potato layers like hidden treasures. And then there’s the cheese—oh, the cheese. It bubbles, it stretches, it oozes, creating that golden, irresistible top layer that makes every bite just a little indulgent.

Simple, Affordable Ingredients

No need to hunt down fancy ingredients or make a last-minute grocery run. This casserole is built on kitchen staples:

• Russet potatoes for that classic fluffy texture.

• Ground beef for a hearty, satisfying bite.

• Cheddar cheese for sharp, tangy richness.

• Cream of mushroom soup for a velvety base that ties everything together.

If you can boil a kettle and preheat an oven, you’re halfway there.

Foolproof Preparation

This recipe is as straightforward as they come. You don’t need to be a seasoned cook or own any special equipment—just a knife, a skillet, and a baking dish. The steps are easy to follow, and the results are reliably delicious every time. Think of it as your secret weapon for when you need dinner to be both stress-free and crowd-pleasing.

Highly Customizable

One of my favorite things about this dish is how forgiving it is. Want to sneak in some veggies? Toss in a handful of spinach, peas, or even thinly sliced carrots. Prefer a little heat? Add chili powder or jalapeños. You can swap cheddar for mozzarella, mix in bacon bits, or even use turkey instead of beef. It’s a recipe that happily bends to your taste and pantry.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this casserole to life, along with a little note on why each one matters. Think of it as your lineup of flavor heroes:

• Ground beef – The hearty protein base that makes this dish satisfying and filling.

• Russet potatoes – Known for their fluffy texture when baked, they soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.

• Cheddar cheese – Adds sharp, tangy richness and that irresistible melty top layer.

• Cream of mushroom soup – Acts as the creamy binder, holding all the layers together while adding savory depth.

• Spices (garlic powder, paprika) – Bring warmth, aroma, and extra flavor to every bite.

• Butter – Enhances richness and adds a subtle, indulgent flavor as it melts into the potatoes.

• Fresh parsley – A pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the dish.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s the game plan for getting this golden beauty from your oven to the table without breaking a sweat:

1. Preheat and Prep
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks.

2. Brown the Beef and Onions
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.

3. Add the Seasonings
   Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This is where your kitchen starts smelling amazing.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This luscious mixture will bind all your layers together.

5. Layer It Up – First Round
   Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef mixture, then pour over half of the soup mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese.

6. Layer It Up – Second Round
   Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese.

7. Butter on Top
   Dot the top with small cubes of butter for extra flavor and a touch of indulgence.

8. Bake Covered
   Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

9. Golden Finish
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

10. Garnish and Serve
    Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot, straight from the baking dish.

What to Serve with This Recipe

Suggested Pairings

This casserole is rich and hearty, so pairing it with something fresh or crisp creates a balanced meal:

• Fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

• Steamed green beans or broccoli for color and crunch.

• Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls for soaking up the creamy sauce.

• Drinks: iced tea, a glass of red wine, or even a cold glass of milk for pure comfort-food vibes.

Variations and Substitutions

Bacon Lovers’ Twist

Sprinkle cooked bacon bits between the layers for a smoky, savory upgrade.

Veggie Boost

Add in peas, corn, or fresh spinach to sneak in extra nutrients without losing that comfort factor.

Gluten-Free Option

Swap the canned soup for a homemade gluten-free white sauce, or use a certified gluten-free mushroom soup.

Extra Cheesy Upgrade

Mix in mozzarella for stretchiness or pepper jack for a little kick, along with the cheddar.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature Storage

As tempting as it is to leave the casserole sitting on the counter while everyone helps themselves to seconds (or thirds), try not to keep it out for more than 2 hours. After that, the quality starts to drop, and food safety becomes a concern.

Refrigeration Tips

Once the casserole has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Stored this way, it will stay delicious in the fridge for 3–4 days. When you’re ready for another serving, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or pop a slice into the microwave for a quick fix.

Freezing Instructions

This casserole freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or saving those last few servings for a rainy day. You can freeze the whole baked casserole (just be sure it’s completely cool first) or portion it into individual slices for easy grab-and-go dinners. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or place in freezer-safe containers. Reheat from frozen in the oven—covered to keep it from drying out—until piping hot in the center.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Slice potatoes thinly for even cooking and perfect tenderness. Aim for about 1/8-inch thick slices.

• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded—no anti-caking agents means smoother melting and richer flavor.

• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together so you can get those beautiful, layered squares.

• Add a sprinkle of paprika before baking for a warm pop of color and a hint of smoky depth.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, you might enjoy these other hearty comfort food recipes:

• Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole: A meaty, cheesy bake topped with crispy tater tots.

• Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole: Smoky sausage meets creamy potatoes in this crowd-pleaser.

• Cornbread Mexican Casserole: A Tex-Mex twist with cornbread topping and zesty flavors.

• Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: All the cozy casserole flavors, transformed into a hearty soup.

• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole: A rich, cheesy pasta bake perfect for big family dinners.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

Not at all. If you like the texture and nutrients from the skins, just give them a good scrub and slice away.

What other soups can I use instead of mushroom?

Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade béchamel sauce work wonderfully here.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Yes! Both make lighter but equally flavorful versions of this casserole. Just be sure to season well, as leaner meats can be milder in taste.

How do I keep potatoes from browning before baking?

If you’re slicing them ahead of time, place them in a bowl of cold water until you’re ready to layer the casserole. Pat them dry before assembling.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is everything comfort food should be—simple, hearty, and brimming with flavor. With its layers of creamy potatoes, savory beef, and melty cheese, it’s a dish that invites everyone to slow down, gather at the table, and savor the moment.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, stocking the freezer for busy nights, or simply craving something cozy, this casserole delivers every single time. Give it a try, make it your own with fun variations, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular request in your home.

Save this recipe for your next cozy family dinner—and be ready for the compliments!

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

---

• Author: Sophia
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A hearty, comforting casserole layered with tender russet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese—baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday family meals.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp butter, cubed

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch dish.

• Cook beef and onion until browned; drain fat.

• Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Whisk soup and milk until smooth.

• Layer potatoes, beef, soup, and cheese. Repeat.

• Dot with butter. Cover and bake 60 min.

• Uncover and bake 10–15 min until golden.

• Garnish with parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

• Use a mandoline slicer for even potato thickness.

• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 760mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g

Keywords: Ground beef potato casserole, Cheesy beef and potato bake, Hamburger and potato bake, Beef potato cheese casserole