Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: Ultimate Comfort Food in 7 Easy Steps
Looking for the cheesy hamburger potato casserole recipe that brings together gooey cheese, seasoned ground beef, and tender potatoes in one cozy dish? You’ve just found the perfect comfort food! Whether you’re prepping dinner for the family or making a warm, filling dish for the week, this casserole is a foolproof winner. Even better—it comes together in seven easy, satisfying steps.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Cheesy hamburger potato casserole is more than a warm meal—it’s a hug in a baking dish. With layers of flavor and a golden, bubbly top, it’s everything a comfort dish should be. It also saves time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
If you enjoy hearty, family-style recipes, you might also love our Easy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, which offers similar ease and satisfaction in every bite.
This recipe also stores well for leftovers, much like the comfort-filled Chicken Mushroom Potatoes Crock Pot Recipe—a favorite for those who meal prep or cook in batches.
Ingredients Needed for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Creating a cheesy hamburger potato casserole requires only simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that you can customize. Here’s how we break it down for maximum flavor.
For the Hamburger Mixture
The base of any great cheesy hamburger potato casserole starts with the beef. Opt for lean ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion—flavorful but not overpowering.
If you’re looking for other ways to use ground beef creatively, our Ground Beef Dinner Recipes collection is packed with weekday dinner winners that balance flavor and simplicity.
Prefer something a little more international? Try the savory spice blends featured in our Classic Ground Beef Tacos Recipe for inspiration.
For the Potato Layer
The creamy starch layer in this cheesy hamburger potato casserole can make or break the dish. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best, offering just the right blend of creaminess and structure.
This technique is also echoed in dishes like the Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole, where potatoes provide a satisfying, crispy foundation.
For extra insight into the nutritional and texture benefits of potatoes, check out our breakdown of Baked Tater Tots Health Benefits, where we dive into the benefits of different potato preparations.
For the Cheesy Topping
No cheesy hamburger potato casserole would be complete without its melty, golden crown. Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for optimal stretch and richness. A bit of cream or sour cream can be added for creaminess.
Looking for cheese inspiration? Our Mac and Cheese Recipe with Velveeta shows how to get that ultra-creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that transforms a dish into a crowd-pleaser.
You can even experiment with alternative cheesy bakes like the Creamy Chicken and Rice for more ideas on how to layer richness and depth into one-dish meals.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Your Casserole
Making a cheesy hamburger potato casserole is easy, satisfying, and perfect for beginners or seasoned home cooks alike. Follow these 7 simple steps to create a warm, bubbly, and delicious dinner your family will ask for again and again.
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
To start your cheesy hamburger potato casserole, peel and thinly slice 3–4 medium potatoes. Yukon Gold or Russet are best for their buttery texture and ability to hold up during baking.
For more potato prep inspiration, check out our Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole, which also makes use of well-layered potato textures for an ultra-satisfying dish.
Tip: To speed up this step, consider using a mandoline slicer for even, thin slices that cook through evenly in the oven.
Step 2: Cooking the Hamburger Meat
Next, prepare the savory base for your cheesy hamburger potato casserole by browning 1 lb of lean ground beef in a skillet. Season with diced onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Optional: Add in a touch of tomato paste or broth for added depth.
If you’re looking for more flavor variations, explore other beef-based favorites like our Classic Ground Beef Tacos—great for flavoring inspiration.
Drain excess fat and set aside once fully cooked.
Step 3: Layering the Casserole
Now it’s time to assemble your cheesy hamburger potato casserole. Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the sliced potatoes on the bottom, followed by half of the cooked beef mixture, then a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Love layering techniques? Our Vegetable Lasagna Recipe is another great example of how layers can bring rich flavor and perfect structure to a dish.
Step 4: Adding Cheese
The crown jewel of any cheesy hamburger potato casserole is its ooey-gooey cheesy top. Use shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for maximum melt and color. You can even stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness.
Craving more cheesy ideas? Our Mac and Cheese with Velveeta shows how different cheese choices affect creaminess and depth.
Step 5: Baking Your Casserole
Place your assembled cheesy hamburger potato casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
For even baking tips, you might find our Chicken and Rice Casserole useful—it shares similar timing and layering logic.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Once your cheesy hamburger potato casserole is golden and bubbling, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Serve it with a crisp side salad, or for something heartier, pair it with a soup like our Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, which complements the dish’s rich flavors beautifully.
Step 7: Storing Leftovers
Your cheesy hamburger potato casserole stores like a dream. Let any leftovers cool fully, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—wrap portions individually for easy weekday lunches.
For more freezer-friendly ideas, read our guide on Freezing Macaroni and Cheese—many of the same principles apply.
Health Benefits of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
While it’s known for being indulgent, cheesy hamburger potato casserole can also be surprisingly balanced. When made with lean beef, fresh potatoes, and part-skim cheese, it becomes a hearty meal that provides a great mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
Potatoes, for example, are packed with vitamin C, potassium, and fiber—especially when you leave the skins on. You can explore their benefits further in our Baked Tater Tots Health Benefits article, which breaks down the nutritional value of various potato-based dishes.
For an added nutritional boost, consider pairing your casserole with one of our Delicious Vegetable Recipes for a full, fiber-rich meal.
Variations to Spice Up Your Casserole
One of the best things about cheesy hamburger potato casserole is how versatile it is. You can swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option—just like we do in our Halal Chicken Alfredo Recipe, where lean proteins still bring full flavor.
For spice lovers, mix in a pinch of smoked paprika, chili flakes, or jalapeños. Want to make it extra creamy? Stir in a bit of sour cream or a touch of Greek yogurt to the cheese mixture.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian spin, draw inspiration from our Vegetable Lasagna Recipe, where hearty vegetables take center stage.
And don’t forget—you can make it even more nutritious by adding spinach, broccoli, or zucchini between layers, similar to our method in Enhance Vegetable Flavors Naturally.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Casserole
Getting your cheesy hamburger potato casserole just right every time comes down to a few key techniques:
- Slice your potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through completely. A mandoline slicer helps with consistency.
- Pre-cook your meat thoroughly and season it well—like in our Ground Beef Dinner Recipes, flavor layering is essential.
- Don’t skimp on cheese, but be strategic. A mix of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella provides both flavor and meltability.
- Let the casserole rest after baking so the layers set and slice neatly—this is a trick also emphasized in our Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe.
Baking uncovered for the final 10–15 minutes helps brown the top without drying it out, giving you that irresistible golden finish.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional value of cheesy hamburger potato casserole depends on the specific ingredients you use, but here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings from one 9×13-inch pan):
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Calcium: ~15% DV
- Iron: ~18% DV
To make your casserole more macro-friendly, check out our Healthy Meals for Breakfast and High Protein Lunch Ideas for inspiration on optimizing balance in your meals.
FAQs
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, cheesy hamburger potato casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can fully assemble it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply bring it to room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed. For more tips on meal prep-friendly options, explore our Easy Chicken Recipes with Few Ingredients which are also great for preparing ahead.
Can I Freeze Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Absolutely! Cheesy hamburger potato casserole freezes well either baked or unbaked. For baked leftovers, cool completely, portion out, and store in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready. For more freezer guidance, check out our post on Can You Freeze Macaroni and Cheese?, which shares similar best practices.
What Are the Best Potatoes for This Casserole?
For the perfect cheesy hamburger potato casserole, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are the top choices. They balance starchiness and moisture, cooking up tender without becoming mushy. You’ll find similar potato usage highlighted in our Baked Tater Tots Health Benefits post, which explains the versatility of various potato types.
How Do I Prevent My Casserole from Drying Out?
To keep your cheesy hamburger potato casserole moist and creamy, make sure to cover it with foil for the first part of baking. You can also add a splash of broth or a layer of sauce to the meat mixture to keep everything juicy. We use a similar technique in our Chicken and Rice Casserole to lock in moisture while baking.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a lighter cheesy hamburger potato casserole. Just be sure to season it well to build flavor. For example, see how we use seasoning creatively in our Halal Chicken Taco Soup Recipe — a lighter protein can still taste rich and hearty with the right spices.
What Type of Cheese Works Best?
For the ultimate cheesy hamburger potato casserole, use a combination of sharp cheddar (for flavor) and mozzarella (for stretch). If you love experimenting with cheese blends, check out our Mac and Cheese Recipe with Velveeta for ideas on achieving creaminess and depth in baked dishes.
Conclusion
Cheesy hamburger potato casserole is the kind of timeless comfort food that brings everyone to the table. With just a few everyday ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create a dish that’s rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or enjoying it as leftovers, this casserole is guaranteed to deliver cozy, cheesy goodness every time.
If you’re in the mood for more soul-warming meals, don’t miss our Easy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole or explore Ground Beef Dinner Recipes for even more ideas to inspire your next kitchen creation.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Description
This cheesy hamburger potato casserole is a rich, satisfying dish made with layers of seasoned beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and melty cheese. Perfect for family dinners and cozy nights in.
For the Hamburger Mixture:
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Optional: 2 tbsp tomato paste or ¼ cup beef broth for added richness
For the Potato Layer:
3–4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil or non-stick cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
For the Cheesy Topping:
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: ½ cup sour cream or ¼ cup cream cheese for added creaminess
Optional: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Peel and slice potatoes thinly. 2. Brown and season ground beef. 3. Layer potatoes, beef, and cheese in a baking dish. 4. Bake covered at 375°F for 45 minutes. 5. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes. 6. Let rest before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Protein 25g50%
- Calcium 195 mg
- Iron 3.24 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
You can make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. It also freezes well for meal prep. Try swapping in ground turkey or adding veggies like spinach or zucchini.
