Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe: Comfort Food at Its Best
A Hearty, Flavorful Classic
The Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a timeless dish that brings together simple yet delicious ingredients for an unforgettable comfort meal. This classic recipe has roots in the tradition of casseroles that have long graced family dinner tables. Back in the 1950s, casseroles became the quintessential answer to the need for quick, easy, and budget-friendly meals. The combination of hamburger meat, potatoes, and cheese provides a satisfying dish that’s hearty, comforting, and filled with flavor.
This particular version of the casserole dish has a rich, creamy layer of cheese that melds beautifully with the tender potatoes and savory ground beef. Whether you grew up with something similar or are just discovering the joy of casseroles, this recipe will evoke nostalgia and warmth making it an instant favorite.
A Special Family Recipe Worth Trying
Everyone loves a dish that delivers comfort and a bit of nostalgia in every bite. This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is perfect because it checks all those boxes. With its creamy layers of cheese, golden-baked potatoes, and seasoned ground beef ca, it’s guaranteed to leave everyone satisfied. It’s straightforward, easy to prepare, and filled with ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that gets even better as leftovers, allowing you to savor it more than once!
Ingredients & Tools Needed
Ingredients:
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Fresh ground beef works best; choose lean beef to avoid excessive grease.
- Potatoes (4-5 medium-sized): Yukon gold or russet potatoes work well for their texture.
- Onion (1 medium): Diced finely for extra flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Sharp cheddar is recommended for its flavor.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can): Adds creamy texture and flavor to the dish.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Helps to make the sauce creamy.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the onions.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle depth of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): For seasoning throughout.
Tools:
- Large Skillet: To cook the ground beef and onions.
- Baking Dish (9×13 inch): For layering and baking the casserole.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine the sauce ingredients.
- Aluminum Foil: To cover the casserole while baking.
- Cheese Grater: If shredding cheese from a block (recommended for the best melting quality).
My Experience with This Recipe
This recipe is one I’ve been making for years, and it’s become a staple in my household. I initially tried it because I wanted something easy and hearty that I could prepare for family gatherings. Over time, I tweaked the ingredients to get the perfect balance of flavors—like adding a bit more garlic powder for that savory kick and using sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor. One thing I’ve learned is that the type of potato matters. Yukon gold potatoes tend to hold their shape better and give a creamier texture, while russets add fluffiness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin rounds, about ¼-inch thick.
- Dice the onion finely.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the potato slices evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Spoon half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef and potatoes.
- Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, soup mixture, and cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes.
- After 60 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Let It Rest
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.
Variations and Substitutions for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Cheese Substitutes: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be used for a milder flavor.
- Add Veggies: You can add some veggies to the casserole to boost its nutritional value. Try adding a layer of sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach between the potato and meat layers.
- Soup Substitutes: If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos for those who like their casseroles with a bit of heat.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: 180mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or for a busy weeknight dinner.
2. Can I freeze Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole? Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish and wrap it tightly with aluminum foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
3. How do I know when the potatoes are done? The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork. If you find that they are still a bit firm after the baking time, you can cover the dish and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
4. Can I use pre-cooked potatoes? Yes, if you have leftover boiled potatoes, you can use them to cut down on baking time. Just layer them as directed, and reduce the baking time by about 20 minutes.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you crave comfort food. Its creamy, cheesy goodness combined with tender potatoes and savory beef will make it a favorite in your home. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized with ingredients you have on hand. Give it a try, and watch it become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Recipe Card
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 75 minutes
Total Time: 95 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4-5 medium potatoes, sliced thin
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and slice potatoes into ¼-inch rounds.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, sauté onions until soft.
- Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and milk.
- Layer half of the potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with half of the beef, soup mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your hearty, cheesy casserole!
