Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food for a cozy family dinner. Combining the savory flavors of ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese.
it’s a hearty dish that’s sure to satisfy any appetite. With just a few simple ingredients, this casserole is easy to make and packed with delicious flavors, making it a go-to meal for busy nights or casual gatherings.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick meal, this casserole is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences.
The creamy texture of the soup blend pairs perfectly with the richness of the beef and cheese.
creating a satisfying one-dish dinner that’s full of flavor. You can even prep it ahead of time, so all you have to do is pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef
5 medium potatoes (peeled and sliced thin)
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of cheddar soup (or cheddar cheese soup)
1 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent the casserole from sticking. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through.
Drain any excess fat, and then add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
Next, layer the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika. Then, spread the cooked beef mixture evenly on top of the potatoes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar soup, and milk until well combined.
Pour this creamy mixture over the beef and potatoes,making sure it covers everything evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
If you want a crispier top, you can broil it for an extra 1-2 minutes at the end. Once it’s done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, if desired, to add a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy this rich and hearty meal that will surely please everyone at the table.
How to Make
To make this casserole, start by preparing the potatoes and meat. Thinly slice the potatoes and set them aside. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then sauté onions and garlic in the same pan to infuse the flavors.
The key to a smooth and creamy sauce is mixing the two types of soup and milk together thoroughly before.
pouring over the casserole. Make sure the beef mixture is evenly distributed to ensure each bite has that rich savory flavor.
Layering the potatoes in the casserole dish is essential for even cooking. By placing them at the bottom, they’ll cook through in the oven and absorb all the flavors of the beef and creamy sauce.
After adding the creamy soup mixture, top it off with cheese for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Covering the casserole with foil during the initial baking ensures the potatoes cook evenly, while uncovering it at the end lets the cheese become golden and bubbly.
Variations
This casserole is highly versatile and can be modified to fit various tastes or dietary preferences. For a healthier alternative
you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a lower-fat version or use a homemade cream sauce.
If you prefer a different protein, try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage. Vegetarians can skip the meat altogether and add extra vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, for added flavor.
For a spicier twist, incorporate some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the beef mixture.
You could also swap the cheddar cheese for a different cheese variety such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for an added kick.
To make the casserole a bit more substantial, add a layer of cooked bacon or crumbled sausage for an extra layer of richness.
For a more loaded version, try adding some frozen vegetables like peas, corn, or carrots to the casserole.
You could also experiment by stirring in some sour cream into the soup mixture to add a tangy creaminess.
For those who prefer a lighter version, skip the cheese topping or use a reduced-fat version to keep things healthier.
Tips
When slicing the potatoes, make sure they are as uniform in thickness as possible to ensure they cook evenly. If you have a mandoline slicer, this will help create even slices quickly.
If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife will work just fine—just be sure to slice them thinly. This ensures the potatoes will cook through properly without becoming mushy.
If you don’t have both types of cream soups on hand, you can use either one and substitute with a bit of extra shredded cheese for the creamy texture.
You can also make your own creamy base with a combination of heavy cream and broth to suit your taste. For extra flavor, feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef mixture.
To save time, you can prep this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for a day or two before baking. This can help the flavors meld together even more, making the dish even more flavorful.
Just make sure to bake it for a little longer if it’s coming straight from the fridge, as the casserole may need extra time to heat through.
If you find yourself with leftover casserole, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven to keep the texture of the potatoes.
intact, or in the microwave for a quicker option. This casserole also freezes well—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
If you prefer a bit of crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips on top during the final few minutes of baking.
This will give the casserole a nice texture contrast to the creamy potatoes and beef.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
It’s a great dish for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even potlucks, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The combination of tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and creamy cheese makes it a meal everyone will enjoy.
With so many ways to customize this recipe, it’s easy to make it your own. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with different ingredients and flavors, this casserole is a versatile dish that’s as delicious as it is satisfying.