Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

 

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner

If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and satisfying, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is calling your name. It’s the kind of dish that brings the whole family running to the dinner table—layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese baked into one deliciously comforting casserole.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cold-weather cravings, or when you just want a meal that feels like a warm hug.

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🧀 Why You’ll Love This Casserole

• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.

• One-pan meal: Easy prep and even easier cleanup.

• Family-approved: Picky eaters love the familiar flavors.

• Make-ahead option: Great for meal prep or freezing for later.

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🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• ½ cup milk

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)

• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and cooked through. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Prepare the sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.

4. Assemble the casserole

Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Top with half the beef mixture, half the soup mixture, and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, soup, and cheese.

5. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes to brown the top and melt the cheese completely.

6. Rest and serve

Let the casserole sit for about 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if using.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few tasty sides to serve with it:

• Green beans or steamed broccoli

• A crisp garden salad

• Buttered dinner rolls or garlic bread

• Pickles or a scoop of coleslaw for contrast

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💡 Tips & Variations

• 🥩 Switch up the meat: Try ground turkey, sausage, or even a vegetarian meat substitute.

• 🧅 Add veggies: Mix in corn, green beans, or peas for added nutrition.

• 🧀 Change the cheese: Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend work great.

• 🥔 Shortcut version: Use thinly sliced frozen potatoes or hash browns to save time.

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🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

• To reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food recipe: hearty, cheesy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. It’s a nostalgic dish that feels homemade, even when you’re short on time.

So grab your casserole dish, your favorite cheese, and a few pantry staples—you’re about to create a meal the whole family will ask for again and again.