Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole!!!

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. Once the beef is fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes), drain any excess fat, then stir in the diced onion. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the onion softens. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir until well combined. This creamy mixture will coat the potatoes and beef, helping to create the casserole’s rich, comforting texture.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Start by layering the bottom of the prepared baking dish with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes. Over the potatoes, spoon half of the cooked ground beef mixture, spreading it out evenly. Next, pour about half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef, spreading it out evenly to cover the meat and potatoes.

Repeat with another layer of sliced potatoes, the remaining beef mixture, and the remaining creamy sauce. Finish by sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt beautifully as it bakes, creating that gooey, golden topping we all crave.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. Continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Once your casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and added freshness.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

1. Slice the Potatoes Thinly: For even cooking, make sure to slice the potatoes as thinly as possible—around 1/8-inch thick. This will ensure that the potatoes cook through and soften while the casserole bakes.
2. Add Veggies for Extra Flavor: If you want to sneak in some veggies, try layering in some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach. These additions not only boost the nutritional value but also add extra flavor to the casserole.
3. Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they have a creamy texture when cooked. Russets are a great alternative, but they can break down more easily, so be mindful of the texture.
4. Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is the classic choice for this casserole, feel free to mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Colby Jack for a different cheesy flavor profile.
5. Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance! Simply assemble it up to the point of baking, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—add an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
6. Crispier Top: If you like your casserole with a crispy, golden top, leave it uncovered for the last 10 minutes of baking. This will give the cheese a chance to crisp up nicely.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: Add jalapeños, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
• Bacon-Topped Casserole: Crumble crispy bacon over the top of the casserole before baking for a smoky, savory touch.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for lentils, black beans, or another plant-based protein for a vegetarian take on this hearty dish.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

This casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish: warm, filling, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something easy to put together that will please the entire family. The layers of potatoes, ground beef, and cheese work together to create a deliciously rich and savory flavor that everyone will love.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a warm, cheesy casserole, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s simple to make, and the whole family will be coming back for seconds.

Conclusion

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining familiar, easy-to-find ingredients into a dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. With its cheesy, meaty goodness and layers of tender potatoes, it’s a dinner that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just a cozy meal at home, this casserole is bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Try it out tonight, and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness that only a casserole can deliver!