Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole – Full Detailed Recipe

 

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, onions, and a creamy cheese sauce bake together until tender, bubbly, and golden. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and easy to customize.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the week, this casserole is warm, filling, and packed with cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

For the Beef Layer

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Potato-Cheese Mixture

• 4–5 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced (⅛-inch thick)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream (or replace with more milk)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra creaminess)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme or parsley

For Topping

• ½–1 cup extra cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions (Long & Detailed)

1. Prep the Potatoes

1. Wash, peel, and slice potatoes into very thin rounds.
2. Use a mandoline if possible for even slices.
   Thin potatoes ensure the casserole cooks evenly and becomes nicely tender.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
2. Add diced onion and cook an additional 3–4 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Cook another minute, then drain excess grease.
   Seasoning the beef well ensures every bite has flavor.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large bowl, combine:
   • Cream of mushroom soup
   • Milk
   • Heavy cream
   • 2 cups shredded cheddar
   • Mozzarella
   • Salt, pepper, and thyme
2. Mix until smooth.
   This creates the creamy, cheesy base that soaks into the potatoes while baking.

4. Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.

Create the layers:

• Layer 1: Spread half the sliced potatoes on the bottom.
• Layer 2: Sprinkle half the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
• Layer 3: Pour half the cheese sauce over the beef.
• Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.

3. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

5. Bake

1. Bake covered for 60 minutes.
2. Remove foil, sprinkle on extra cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for 20–25 more minutes until:
   • The top is golden
   • The potatoes are fork-tender
   • The casserole is bubbling around the edges
3. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
   Resting helps set the layers for easier slicing.

Tips for the Best Casserole

• Slice potatoes thinly so they cook fully.
• Use russet potatoes — they soften beautifully.
• Add jalapeños or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Mix cheddar + mozzarella for creamy stretch and flavor.
• Let it rest before cutting so it holds its shape.

 Variations

Cheesy Bacon Hamburger Casserole

Add ½ cup cooked bacon bits between layers.

Creamy Ranch Version

Add 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning to the cheese sauce.

Veggie Boost

Add:

• Sliced mushrooms
• Mixed vegetables
• Spinach
• Corn

Loaded Baked Potato Style

Top with:

• Sour cream
• Green onions
• Crumbled bacon

Tex-Mex Style

Use taco seasoning and add a layer of pepper jack cheese.

 Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• A crisp green salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Dinner rolls
• Roasted vegetables

 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

3–4 days in an airtight container.

Freezer

Up to 2 months. Wrap tightly.

Reheat

• Oven: 350°F until warm
• Microwave: Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy