Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

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Description:
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — layers of tender sliced potatoes, perfectly seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese baked to golden perfection. It’s hearty, satisfying, and downright irresistible! Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave a warm, cheesy hug in a dish.

Everyone who tries it ends up asking for the recipe — no wonder it’s been nicknamed “crack casserole” because you just can’t stop eating it!

Ingredients For Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 3–4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup milk

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter for greasing the baking dish

  • Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

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

  2. Cook beef & onions: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium heat until beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

  3. Prepare sauce: In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth.

  4. Assemble:

    • Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the baking dish.

    • Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes.

    • Pour half of the creamy sauce and sprinkle 1 cup of cheese.

    • Repeat the layers: potatoes, beef, sauce, then top with remaining cheese.

  5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

  6. Rest & Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

  • You can use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef for variation.

  • Substitute cream of mushroom with cream of cheddar for extra cheesiness.

  • Slice potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through.

  • This dish reheats beautifully — perfect for leftovers!

Tips

  • Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly thin potato slices.

  • Add a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra flavor and color.

  • To make it spicier, mix in a little chili powder or hot sauce with the beef.

  • For a crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.

Servings

Serves 6–8 people generously.

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 420

  • Protein: 25g

  • Carbohydrates: 28g

  • Fat: 24g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sodium: 620mg

  • Calcium: 220mg

(Values will vary slightly based on ingredient brands.)

Benefits

  • High-protein meal that’s filling and family-friendly.

  • Budget-friendly ingredients easily found in any pantry.

  • Great make-ahead dish — even better the next day!

  • Comforting and crowd-pleasing for potlucks, gatherings, or weeknight dinners.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next day (add about 10 extra minutes of bake time).

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Absolutely! Bake first, cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I use hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
A: Yes, frozen hash browns work great — no need to thaw first!

Q: What cheese works best?
A: Sharp cheddar is classic, but a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack is delicious too.

Q: How do I make it healthier?
A: Use lean beef, light sour cream, and low-fat cheese. Add extra veggies like spinach or zucchini slices.

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