Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

The Best Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty cheesy hamburger potato casserole that promises to satisfy deep hunger pangs.

Layers of golden potatoes merge seamlessly with seasoned ground beef in a delightful culinary creation.

Melted cheese cascades through each bite, creating a rich and indulgent experience.

Weeknight dinners transform into special moments with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of savory meat and creamy potato goodness.

This recipe offers a simple yet delectable solution for feeding hungry families.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this casserole disappears from the dinner table.

What Makes Layered Beef Potato Bake So Comforting

  • Dive into Comfort: A hearty, soul-warming dish that wraps you in delicious layers of beef, potatoes, and cheesy goodness.
  • Simplify Meal Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a satisfying meal without complicated techniques.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the classic combination of ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese, making it a crowd-pleasing dinner option.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with this single-dish bake that combines protein, starch, and flavor in one convenient casserole.

Layered Beef Potato Bake Ingredient Rundown

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
  • Potatoes: Starchy base that creates a comforting and filling layer in the dish.
  • Cheese: Adds creamy texture and enhances the overall savory taste of the bake.
Dairy and Liquid Components:
  • Cheddar Soup, Milk: Create a smooth, creamy sauce that binds the layers together and adds richness.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts and provides a golden, gooey topping for the casserole.
Seasoning and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Boost the depth of flavor and add aromatic complexity to the beef and overall dish.

Step-by-Step for Beef Potato Bake Perfection

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F.

Grab your 9×13 baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle The Meat

In a large skillet, toss in ground beef and diced onions.

Season with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper.

Cook until the beef turns a rich brown and loses its pink color.

Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 3: Create Delicious Layers

Start building your flavor masterpiece by creating strategic layers:
  • Sliced potatoes
  • Browned beef mixture
  • Shredded cheese

Repeat these layers four times, seasoning each level with a pinch of salt and pepper for maximum taste excitement.

Step 4: Whip Up The Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Cheddar soup
  • Whole milk
  • Evaporated milk
  • Garlic powder

Stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Pour the dreamy sauce evenly over your layered creation.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 60 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to mingle.

Must-Know Tips for Layered Beef Potato Bake

  • Ensure ground beef is thoroughly cooked and crumbled for even texture and maximum flavor distribution.
  • Slice potatoes uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent uneven layers.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and richer taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps and create a creamy, consistent coating.
  • Let dish rest 10-15 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting easier.

Change It Up: Layered Beef Potato Bake Options

  • Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Bake: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and create a keto-friendly option.
  • Greek-Inspired Potato Layer: Add feta cheese, oregano, and spinach to transform the classic recipe with Mediterranean flavors.
  • Spicy Southwestern Potato Casserole: Incorporate jalapeños, black beans, and pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-style dish.

How to Serve Layered Beef Potato Bake

  • Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty beef potato bake with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy layers and add freshness to your meal.
  • Family Feast Style: Serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted vegetables to create a complete, nutritious dinner that everyone will love and appreciate.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions just before serving to add a pop of color and a hint of extra flavor to this classic comfort dish.
  • Weekend Brunch Twist: Enjoy leftovers topped with a fried egg for a delicious morning meal that transforms the bake into a satisfying breakfast option.

Saving and Reheating Beef Potato Bake Leftovers

  • Store any remaining Layered Beef Potato Bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen dishes maintain best quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of milk to prevent drying out and maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes for beef, offering lighter flavor options while maintaining the dish’s core structure.

  • How do I ensure my potatoes cook evenly?

Slice potatoes uniformly, about 1/4 inch thick, to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.

  • Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely. With simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and canned soup, this dish provides a hearty meal at a low cost per serving.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

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Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty and comforting, cheesy hamburger potato casserole brings midwestern warmth to dinner tables with layers of ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese. Families will savor each creamy, satisfying bite of this classic one-dish meal that promises pure comfort and deliciousness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.12 pounds ground beef
  • 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 can (10.75 ounces/305 grams) condensed cheddar soup
  • 1 can (12 ounces/340 grams) evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or butter.
  2. In a large skillet, sauté ground beef with diced onions, breaking meat into small crumbles and seasoning with salt and black pepper. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
  3. Create the first potato layer in the baking dish, spreading evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle a portion of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
  4. Generously scatter shredded cheese across the beef layer, ensuring even distribution. Repeat layering process three more times: potatoes, beef, and cheese.
  5. Whisk together condensed cheddar soup, whole milk, and garlic powder until completely smooth and well-blended.
  6. Carefully pour the creamy sauce over the assembled layers, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
  7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes at 350°F.
  8. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top turns golden brown and edges become crispy.
  9. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Always use freshly grated cheese for maximum melting and flavor complexity.
  • Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for better layering and texture absorption.
  • Consider reducing fat by using lean ground beef or substituting with ground turkey.
  • Enhance dish’s nutritional profile by adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach between layers.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 532
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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