DINNER

The Hearty Cheesy Hamburger & Potato Casserole: A Family Favorite! 🥔🥩🧀

This Cheesy Hamburger & Potato Casserole takes classic comfort to the next level. Imagine tender slices of potato baked in a rich, savory ground beef sauce, all blanketed under a bubbling, golden layer of melted cheese. It’s the perfect one-dish meal for a chilly evening or a satisfying family dinner, combining all your favorite flavors in one easy-to-make casserole.

What Makes This “The Best”: Layers of Flavor & Perfect Texture ✨

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor and optimal texture:

  • Thinly Sliced Potatoes: Ensures the potatoes cook evenly and become perfectly tender throughout the casserole.1 Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal for this.
  • Flavorful Beef Base: Sautéing onions and garlic with the ground beef creates a deep, aromatic foundation for the entire dish.
  • Rich & Creamy Sauce: A blend of condensed soup (or a homemade alternative), milk, and seasonings binds everything together into a luscious, comforting sauce.
  • Layered Goodness: Building the casserole in layers ensures every bite has a mix of potato, beef, and cheese.
  • Golden Cheese Crust: A generous amount of cheese on top melts into a bubbly, delicious crust.
  • Minimal Fuss: Despite the layers, this casserole is straightforward to assemble, making it great for weeknights.

Ingredients: Your Hearty Casserole Essentials 🛒

This recipe yields 6-8 generous servings.

I. For the Casserole:

  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1.5 lbs (approx. 680g) Lean Ground Beef (85-90% lean recommended)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced2
  • 1 teaspoon Salt, divided (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Dried Thyme (or dried Italian seasoning)
  • 2 lbs (approx. 4-5 medium) Russet Potatoes or Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛ to ¼-inch thick, use a mandoline for best results if you have one)
  • 1 (10.5 oz / 298g) can Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (or Cream of Celery/Chicken)3
    • See Pro Tips for a homemade creamy sauce alternative if you prefer!
  • 1 cup (240ml) Milk (whole milk for richness)
  • 2 cups (approx. 225g) Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided
  • 1 cup (approx. 115g) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (for extra melty goodness)
  • Optional: Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Equipment Needed:

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
  • Mandoline slicer (optional, but highly recommended for potatoes)
  • Aluminum foil

Preparation Pas-à-Pas: Building Your Ultimate Comfort Dish 📝

  1. Preheat Oven & Prep Potatoes:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).4 Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
    • Peel and thinly slice your potatoes. Aim for consistent thickness (1/8 to 1/4 inch) so they cook evenly. A mandoline makes this quick and easy.
  2. Brown the Beef & Aromatics (10-12 minutes):
    • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
    • Add the ground beef and diced onion. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
    • Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
    • Add the minced garlic, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes more, stirring, until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
  4. Assemble the Casserole (Layers!):
    • Spread half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
    • Spread half of the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the potato layer.
    • Spoon half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef.
    • Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the soup mixture.
    • Repeat the layers: remaining potatoes (season lightly), remaining ground beef, remaining creamy soup mixture.
    • Do not add the top cheese layer yet! We’ll add that later for perfect melt and browning.
  5. Initial Bake (Covered) (45-60 minutes):
    • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This creates a steaming environment that helps the potatoes become tender.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender when pierced. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your potato slices.
  6. Final Bake (Uncovered with Cheese) (15-20 minutes):
    • Remove the casserole from the oven. Carefully remove the foil.
    • Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese and all of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
    • Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
    • For an even crispier, more golden cheese topping, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, watching very carefully to prevent burning.
  7. Rest & Serve:
    • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and makes for easier, cleaner serving.
    • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Pro Tips for the BEST Casserole ✨

  • Potato Choice & Thickness: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent as they become tender and absorb flavors well. Slicing them uniformly thin (1/8 to 1/4 inch) is crucial for even cooking. A mandoline is your best friend here.
  • Don’t Skimp on Draining Grease: Lean ground beef is recommended, but if your beef is fattier, be sure to drain off all excess grease after browning to prevent a greasy casserole.
  • Homemade Creamy Sauce (Alternative to Canned Soup):
    • Melt 3 tablespoons butter in the skillet after draining beef.
    • Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; cook for 1 minute (making a roux).
    • Gradually whisk in 1.5 cups milk and 1 cup beef broth.
    • Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of dried thyme/nutmeg. This creates a rich, from-scratch cream sauce.
  • Seasoning the Potatoes: Don’t forget to lightly season the potato layers! This builds flavor throughout the dish.
  • Covered Baking is Key: The foil acts like a steam bath, ensuring the potatoes cook through before the cheese on top burns.
  • Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make them less melty and sometimes leave a powdery texture.5 Shredding your own from a block will give you the best, creamiest result.

Creative Variations & Customizations 🌈

  • Add Veggies: Sauté finely diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or even a handful of frozen corn or peas with the ground beef for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Smoky Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to the beef seasoning.
  • Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or a dash of hot sauce in the creamy sauce, can add a nice zing.
  • Different Cheeses: Experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp white cheddar. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top at the end can also add a nice salty finish.
  • Crispy Topping: For extra crunch, mix ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle over the top cheese layer before the final bake.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

This Cheesy Hamburger & Potato Casserole is a substantial meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with:

  • A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
  • Steamed or roasted green beans or broccoli.

Storage & Reheating Tips 🧊🗓️

  • Storage: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating (Individual Portions): Reheat in the microwave until warmed through. You might want to add a tiny splash of milk or broth if it seems dry.
  • Reheating (Whole Casserole): Cover the casserole with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil for the last few minutes to re-crisp the cheese.
  • Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Once completely cooled, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above (you may need to add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time).

Conclusion 🌟

This Hearty Cheesy Hamburger & Potato Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that embodies comfort and deliciousness. With tender potatoes, savory beef, and a double layer of gooey cheese, it delivers a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try – your family will thank you!

What are your go-to potato dishes for comforting meals?