Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Hearty, comforting, and family-friendly, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with seasoned ground beef and a creamy, cheesy sauce that bubbles up golden brown in the oven.

It’s a classic weeknight dinner that’s easy to assemble, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

• 2 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• 1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese

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

• 1 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or large casserole pan with nonstick spray or butter.

2. Brown the meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it begins to brown, breaking it up with a spatula. Add chopped onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and onions are soft. Drain excess grease and set aside.

3. Make the sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth. This will be the rich, creamy binder for the casserole.

4. Layer the casserole

Arrange half the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish, slightly overlapping. Spread half the beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by a third of the shredded cheddar. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef.

Pour the soup mixture evenly over the top, making sure it seeps into the layers. Top with the remaining cheddar and all the mozzarella.

5. Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.

6. Rest and serve

Let the casserole sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the layers to hold together.

Cooking Tips

• Use a mandoline slicer for even, thin potato slices, which ensures uniform cooking.

• Parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes beforehand if you’re short on time; it reduces baking time.

• Switch up the soup base by using cream of cheddar or cream of onion for added flavor.

• Add veggies like frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers between layers for extra color and nutrition.

• Shred your own cheese—it melts better and doesn’t have the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded varieties.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted green beans to balance the richness

• Pair with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any creamy sauce

• Add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle of chopped chives for a loaded baked potato vibe

• Leftovers reheat beautifully—store covered in the fridge and enjoy within 3 days

• A splash of hot sauce or ketchup on top adds a tangy contrast some might love

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is pure comfort in a dish—easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to be a family favorite.