Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food 🍔🥔🧀

There’s nothing quite like a rich, cheesy, and hearty casserole fresh from the oven. This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and two kinds of melted cheese for a satisfying family-style meal. Perfect for weeknights, holidays, or cozy Sundays, it’s a timeless classic reimagined for ultimate flavor and simplicity. 😋

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

This layered beauty delivers in every way: texture, taste, aroma, and soul-satisfying comfort. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and even picky eaters won’t leave a crumb behind. 🍽️

Recipe Highlights

• One-pan wonder: Bake and serve in the same dish.
• Customizable: Swap soup types or cheeses easily.
• Meal prep dream: Make ahead and reheat throughout the week.
• Rich & filling: Serves 6–8 and satisfies every time.

Expert Tips from Pro Chefs

“Soaking potatoes removes excess starch, ensuring a creamy—not gummy—texture.” — Gordon Ramsay

“Layering flavor is everything—don’t skip seasoning your beef and sauce separately.” — Bobby Flay

“Adding sour cream gives the sauce that luscious, tangy body casseroles crave.” — Ina Garten

Ingredients

🍔 For the Casserole

• 1½ lb (680g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 3–4 large)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder

🥣 For the Sauce

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cheddar soup)
• 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)

🌿 Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Green onions, sliced
• Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping crunch)

Prep & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes
• Rest Time: 5–10 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 6–8

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish. Peel and slice potatoes into 1/8″ thick slices. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes, then pat dry. Chop onion and mince garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, brown the beef (5–7 minutes). Add onion and garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, onion and garlic powder. Drain fat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire, and mustard powder until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish.
2. Top with half the beef mixture.
3. Pour over half the sauce and sprinkle with 1 cup cheddar.
4. Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 5: Add Final Cheese Layer

Remove foil. Top with remaining cheddar and mozzarella. Bake uncovered for 10–15 more minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Let Rest & Serve

Let cool for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve and enjoy! 🧀🥔

Nutrition & Health Benefits

Approx. per serving: ~420–480 kcal, 25–30g protein

FAQs About Hamburger Potato Casserole

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Yes! It makes the dish leaner and just as delicious.

2. Can I prep this casserole ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble the day before and bake when ready. Add 10 minutes to bake time if cold from fridge.

3. Can I freeze it?

Yes, freeze before or after baking. Thaw overnight and reheat until hot in the center.

4. Can I use different soup?

Cream of cheddar, cream of chicken, or homemade white sauce work great!

5. What cheese alternatives work?

Try Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Colby Jack for fun variations.

6. Why soak the potatoes?

Soaking removes excess starch, preventing soggy texture.

7. What toppings add crunch?

Sprinkle crushed crackers, cornflakes, or seasoned breadcrumbs before final bake.

8. Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soup and check labels for flour-based ingredients.

9. How long does it keep?

Up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven.

10. Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Use sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground “meat.”

More Comfort Food Classics

Explore more cozy recipes at Fresh Toner Hungar:

• Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
• Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
• Homestyle Shepherd’s Pie

Once you make this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, it’ll earn a permanent place in your comfort food rotation. Creamy, beefy, cheesy, and crispy around the edges—it’s everything you want on a plate. 🧡