This cheesy hamburger potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring seasoned ground beef, tender Yukon gold potatoes, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s the perfect hearty dish to serve the whole family, combining all the best flavors in one cozy, baked casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy hamburger potato casserole is everything you want in a comforting dinner: savory, cheesy, and filling. The layers of tender potatoes, seasoned beef, and creamy sauce bake together to create a satisfying dish that’s both rich and hearty. The addition of cheddar cheese on top gives it the perfect melty finish, while the fresh parsley garnish adds a burst of color and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a family dinner or a dish to feed a crowd, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Ingredients

1 (14-ounce) can cheddar cheese soup
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk or whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 pound ground beef
1 cup onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. Mix until well combined, then set aside.
Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes. Using a sharp knife or mandolin, cut the potatoes into 1/8-inch slices.
Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for another minute. Drain excess fat and remove the browned beef mixture to a plate.
Layer the Casserole: In an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes, followed by ⅓ of the cheese sauce and ⅓ of the browned ground beef. Repeat with another layer of potatoes, sauce, and ground beef. Finish with a final layer of potatoes, but do not add the shredded cheese yet.
Bake: Cover and bake for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Add Cheese: After baking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Add Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, add vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the layers.
Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a spicy twist.
Meat Alternatives: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Cheese Variety: Mix different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack with cheddar for a unique flavor blend.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this casserole by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, like russet or red potatoes. Yukon gold potatoes give a nice creamy texture, but any type will work.

2. Can I use a different kind of cheese soup?

If you prefer, you can substitute cheddar cheese soup with a different flavor, such as cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, but this will change the flavor profile.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, bake as directed, adding the final 10 minutes with cheese at the end.

4. Can I use frozen ground beef?

Yes, frozen ground beef can be used. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even browning.

5. How can I make this casserole creamier?

To make the casserole even creamier, you can add more heavy cream or incorporate sour cream into the cheese sauce.

6. Can I use a different kind of cheese for the topping?

Yes, feel free to use any cheese you prefer for the topping. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan would work well.

7. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this casserole in a slow cooker. Layer the potatoes, meat mixture, and sauce, then cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

8. How do I know when the potatoes are done?

The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender. You can test them by poking the largest potato slice with a fork; it should go through easily.

9. Can I add breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy topping?

Yes, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before the final baking step for a crunchy texture. You could even add a bit of melted butter to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

10. Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or a lower-fat milk option, but the casserole might not be as rich and creamy.

Conclusion

This cheesy hamburger potato casserole is a comforting, filling meal that the whole family will love. With layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, and creamy cheese sauce, it’s a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy dinner for your family, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your household.