This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty layered dinner made with seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, cheddar, and a creamy cheese sauce. It is simple comfort food that works especially well for family dinners and make-ahead meals.
This recipe keeps the focus on the classic beef-and-potato combination. Thin potatoes bake until tender, the ground beef adds savory flavor, and the cheese sauce ties everything together into a rich casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
It is filling, familiar, and easy to portion. The potatoes soak up flavor from the beef and creamy sauce while the cheddar melts over everything for a classic casserole finish.
Slice the Potatoes Evenly
Thin, even potato slices are important because they need to soften at the same rate. A mandoline makes this easy, but a sharp knife works well if you keep the slices consistent.
Brown the Ground Beef
Cook the beef until no pink remains, then drain excess grease before building the casserole. That keeps the finished dish rich without making the sauce oily.
Layer Everything in the Baking Dish
Build the casserole in even layers so every serving gets beef, potato, sauce, and cheese. Spread the creamy cheese mixture all the way to the edges so the potatoes have enough moisture to become tender.
Bake Until the Potatoes Are Tender
The casserole is ready when the potatoes can be pierced easily and the cheese is melted and browned. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the layers hold together better.
Once it has rested, scoop into the casserole from the side so you can keep the potato, beef, sauce, and cheese layers together in each serving.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Slice the potatoes evenly.
- Drain excess grease from the beef.
- Spread sauce all the way to the edges.
- Bake until the potatoes are completely tender.
- Rest the casserole before cutting into servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I assemble it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake. A chilled casserole may need a little extra oven time.
Why are my potatoes still firm?
The slices may be too thick or the casserole may need more covered baking time so the potatoes can steam and soften.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef crumbled
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 to 4 lb potatoes peeled and sliced about 1/4 inch thick
- 8 oz cheddar cheese shredded, or more to taste
- 1 can cheddar cheese soup
- 12 oz evaporated milk or whole milk
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet until the beef is fully browned. Drain excess grease.
- Arrange one layer of sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Spread about one-third of the beef mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with about one-third of the shredded cheddar. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with cheese on top.
- Whisk the cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, and milk together until smooth. Add extra salt and pepper if desired.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and beef.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for about 15 minutes more, until the cheese is golden and the potatoes are tender. Thicker potato slices may need additional baking time.
- Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving.