Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Your Family Will Crave

 Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Your Family Will Crave

If you're on the hunt for a hearty, cheesy, crowd-pleasing casserole, look no further than this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole. This comforting dish layers thinly sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce into one golden, bubbly bake that’s as good for dinner as it is for a holiday brunch. Whether you serve it for a casual weeknight meal or as a show-stopping side at Easter, this easy ground beef casserole is always a hit.

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🧀 Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

This dish combines all the elements of classic comfort food: tender potatoes, juicy seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a creamy sauce that pulls it all together. It’s:

Budget-friendly

Make-ahead friendly

Kid-approved

Perfect for leftovers

Versatile enough for brunch, dinner, or potlucks

Whether you're feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this is one ground beef and potato casserole that checks every box.

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🛒 Ingredients & Their Purpose

Here’s what you’ll need to make this casserole and why each ingredient matters:

1 pound ground beef – Adds savory depth and protein. Browning it first ensures rich flavor throughout the dish.

1 yellow onion, diced – Brings sweetness and aromatic flavor that balances the richness of the cheese.

3 to 4 pounds of potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced – The starchy base that absorbs the cheesy sauce and holds the layers together.

8 ounces (or more) cheddar cheese, shredded – Melts into gooey, golden deliciousness. Use sharp cheddar for extra flavor.

1 can cheddar cheese soup mix – Acts as the creamy base of the sauce, binding the casserole together.

12 ounces evaporated milk – Adds creaminess without the heaviness of cream.

½ cup whole milk – Lightens the sauce just enough to allow even baking.

1 tsp salt + ½ tsp black pepper – Enhances all the flavors and adds necessary seasoning.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect cheesy hamburger potato casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

Cheddar cheese soup

Evaporated milk

Whole milk Add optional salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will soak into the layers for a rich, creamy texture.

4. Layer the Casserole

Now for the fun part — layering!

First Layer: Arrange ⅓ of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Second Layer: Top with ⅓ of the cooked beef and onion mixture.

Third Layer: Sprinkle ⅓ of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Repeat the layers two more times. The final layer should be the remaining cheese, covering the entire surface for a golden, bubbly top.

5. Pour the Sauce

Slowly pour the prepared cheese soup mixture over the entire casserole, allowing it to seep through the layers.

6. Cover and Bake

Tightly cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.

7. Uncover and Brown

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Check for doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork — they should be fork-tender.

> Pro Tip: If your potato slices are thicker than 1/8 inch, you may need to bake the dish longer. Cover with foil again if the top browns too quickly.

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🌟 Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite

Layered flavor: Each bite brings together creamy cheese, savory beef, and tender potatoes.

Customizable: Add bacon bits, green onions, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.

Comfort in every bite: It’s nostalgic, satisfying, and feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness

Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for a veggie boost

Dinner rolls or garlic bread for that extra indulgence

Leftovers? Reheat in the oven or microwave — it’s just as delicious the next day!

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🔥 Pro Tips for Success

Use a mandoline slicer to get uniformly thin potato slices, which ensures even cooking.

Shred your own cheese – pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking so it sets up and slices more cleanly.

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🧡 Final Thoughts: A Comfort Food Classic That Delivers

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a true comfort food classic — rich, filling, and incredibly easy to throw together. With a handful of pantry staples and just a bit of prep, you’ll have a dish that pleases everyone at the table. Whether you're feeding picky eaters or impressing guests at brunch, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

So what are you waiting for? Make it tonight and watch it become a n

ew family favorite!

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💬 Love casseroles like this? Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out — or share your favorite variations!