When the weather turns cold or when you’re in need of a filling, hearty meal that will please the whole family, there’s nothing quite like a cheesy hamburger potato casserole. This dish is an ultimate comfort food, bringing together ground beef, creamy soups, melted cheese, and tender potatoes into one satisfying casserole. It’s the perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness, and it’s a meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this cheesy hamburger potato casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 grams) of ground beef
- 5 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
- 1 small onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Two 10.5-ounce cans of reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup
- One 10.5-ounce can of cheese soup (regular or reduced-fat cream of cheddar)
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (separated)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first step in making this delicious casserole is preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready to cook the casserole evenly, giving it that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
The potatoes are the heart of this casserole, providing the hearty base that pairs beautifully with the savory beef and cheesy sauce. Peel and slice the 5 medium potatoes into thin rounds. Slicing them thinly helps the potatoes cook faster and more evenly, ensuring that they become tender and flavorful throughout the baking process. Thin slices also allow the flavors from the beef and cheese to infuse into the potatoes, making every bite a delicious combination of creamy and savory goodness.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (if using) over medium heat. If you prefer not to use olive oil, you can skip this step, as the ground beef will release its natural fat while cooking. Add the minced onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish by infusing the oil with the savory notes of garlic and onion.
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure that the beef cooks evenly. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the cooked beef aside. This step helps to ensure that the casserole doesn’t become greasy and that the beef maintains its juicy, tender texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
While the beef is cooking, you can prepare the creamy sauce that will bind everything together. In a separate bowl, combine the two cans of cream of mushroom soup, the cheese soup, and 1 cup of milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This combination of soups forms the creamy base for the casserole, while the milk ensures that the sauce is the right consistency—creamy but pourable.
To enhance the flavor of the sauce, season it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. The paprika adds a mild smokiness that complements the richness of the cheese and beef, giving the dish a bit of extra depth. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking, adding a little more paprika or even a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Now that all of your ingredients are prepared, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking. Begin layering the ingredients by placing half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Spread the slices out evenly, making sure they cover the bottom of the dish completely.
Next, add half of the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this process with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese. This creates a well-balanced casserole with layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese in every bite.
Finally, pour the soup mixture over the entire casserole, making sure it’s spread evenly. The creamy soup mixture will seep through the layers, helping to cook the potatoes and create a rich, flavorful sauce that binds everything together.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the casserole for 45 minutes. This initial baking period helps cook the potatoes and allow the flavors to meld together. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. The top of the casserole should be slightly crispy, while the inside remains creamy and satisfying.
The cheese will melt and form a golden crust over the casserole, creating a beautiful presentation that is as appetizing as it is delicious. The aroma of the dish will fill your kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If you’d like to add a touch of color and freshness to the dish, sprinkle some fresh parsley or green onions on top. These garnishes not only enhance the dish’s appearance but also provide a burst of flavor that balances out the richness of the casserole.
Why This Casserole is a Comforting, Hearty Meal
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It combines all the elements of a satisfying meal: tender potatoes, savory ground beef, a rich and creamy sauce, and of course, lots of melted cheese. The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and heartiness. It’s the type of dish that makes you feel cozy and content, whether you’re sitting down for a family dinner or feeding a group of friends at a potluck.
One of the reasons this casserole is so comforting is the use of cream of mushroom soup and cheese soup as the base of the sauce. These canned soups are a classic choice for casseroles because they add creaminess and flavor without the need for complicated cooking techniques. The cheddar cheese, which melts perfectly throughout the casserole, brings everything together with its rich, sharp flavor. The ground beef provides a savory, meaty element that complements the potatoes, making it a balanced and filling dish.
Moreover, this casserole is easy to customize. You can add extra vegetables such as peas, corn, or carrots to boost the nutritional value, or you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Swiss cheese, for a different twist. You could even use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the dish. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can always pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for an extra dose of freshness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance out the richness of the casserole, while steamed broccoli or green beans would add a nice pop of color and nutrients.
If you’re serving this dish for a family dinner, it’s sure to be a hit with both adults and kids. The creamy, cheesy nature of the casserole makes it a perfect dish for picky eaters. It’s also great for meal prep, as leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated with ease.
Why You Should Make This Casserole
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a true comfort food classic. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavors that everyone will love. It’s the perfect dish for cold evenings when you want something warm and filling, or for busy nights when you need a simple meal that can feed the whole family. It’s easy to make, and it requires just a few basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
The best part? This casserole gets even better the next day! The flavors continue to develop, and the leftovers are just as delicious as the first serving. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something comforting, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
In Conclusion
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, comforting, and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich layers of potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying it with your family, this casserole will keep everyone coming back for more. So, next time you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy!
