When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes can rival a warm, bubbling casserole straight from the oven. This Hamburger Potato Cheese Casserole is the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and satisfies even the heartiest appetites. With layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, every bite is pure homestyle comfort. I first made this dish on a cold evening when I wanted something easy yet deeply satisfying—it quickly became a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole delivers warmth, flavor, and nostalgia all in one pan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is everything you love about comfort food: creamy, cheesy, and hearty. It’s simple to prepare, uses pantry staples, and can easily be customized with different cheeses or vegetables. The layers of soft potatoes and savory hamburger are tied together by a rich sauce that melts into every corner of the dish. It’s also make-ahead friendly and tastes even better the next day. Perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or cozy weeknights, this casserole is the kind of dish everyone goes back for seconds of.
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Hamburger Potato Cheese Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Bake for Cozy Nights
- Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and creamy comfort food classic made with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, rich mushroom sauce, and gooey melted cheese — perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess grease.
- Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Layer half of the potatoes in the prepared dish. Spread half of the soup mixture on top, followed by half of the beef mixture and half of the cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, soup mixture, beef, and cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup for a lighter flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms or green beans for extra texture and nutrition.
- Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a creamier topping.
- This casserole reheats beautifully — perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Beef – The heart of the dish. Choose lean ground beef for full flavor without excess grease.
Russet Potatoes – Thinly sliced potatoes form the foundation, becoming soft and creamy as they bake.
Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the beef, enhancing the overall flavor.
Garlic – A touch of minced garlic adds aroma and savory richness to the filling.
Cream of Mushroom Soup – Gives the casserole its signature creamy texture and binds all the ingredients together.
Milk – Thins the soup slightly to create a smooth, pourable sauce.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully into the sauce, creating that gooey, golden finish everyone loves.
Butter – Adds richness and helps the top layer brown beautifully.
Salt and Black Pepper – Simple seasoning that enhances every layer of flavor.
Paprika (optional) – For a subtle smoky note and a touch of color on top.
Parsley or Chives (optional) – A sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color before serving.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Add garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and paprika if desired.
- Layer the casserole: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, then pour half of the soup mixture on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top, then dot with small pieces of butter for added richness.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes total—20 minutes for prep and 55 minutes of baking. It’s hearty enough to serve as a full meal on its own or paired with a crisp salad or steamed veggies.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Variations and Customizations
Loaded Casserole – Add crumbled bacon and a drizzle of sour cream before serving for a loaded baked potato twist.
Veggie-Packed Version – Mix in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or frozen peas for added color and nutrition.
Spicy Southwest Casserole – Add diced green chiles, a sprinkle of taco seasoning, and use pepper jack cheese for a bold kick.
Creamy Ranch Version – Stir a tablespoon of ranch seasoning into the soup mixture for tangy, herby flavor.
Turkey or Chicken Swap – Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation that’s just as delicious.
Hash Brown Shortcut – Substitute sliced potatoes with thawed frozen hash browns for a quicker prep.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes or frozen ones?
Freshly sliced russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best, but thawed hash browns can be used for convenience.
Do I need to cook the potatoes first?
No, they’ll cook through while baking—just slice them thinly for even cooking.
Can I use a different type of soup?
Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup also works well.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cream soup or make your own using cornstarch and broth.
Can I add more cheese?
Of course! Double the cheese if you want a gooier, richer casserole.
What’s the best way to slice potatoes evenly?
A mandoline slicer ensures uniform thickness, which helps them cook evenly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
Yes, leftover cooked beef can be used—just mix it with sautéed onions before layering.
Can I add breadcrumbs on top?
Absolutely—a sprinkle of buttery breadcrumbs adds extra crunch.
What side dishes go best with this casserole?
A green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make perfect accompaniments.
Conclusion
Hamburger Potato Cheese Casserole is the ultimate expression of cozy, home-cooked comfort. With layers of creamy potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Simple, filling, and endlessly adaptable, this casserole is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or anytime you want a classic, crowd-pleasing meal.
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