If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish that brings together the best of classic flavors, look no further than this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole. This dish is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with savory ground beef and tender potatoes all baked into one irresistible casserole. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, ideal for family dinners or whenever you want to impress guests with something both simple and soul-satisfying. The cheesy, rich layers combined with just the right hint of spice and crunch make this casserole a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole plays a key role in building its delicious layers. From the rich ground beef to the tender potatoes and luscious cheese sauce, each component brings texture, flavor, or a touch of color to create that perfect casserole experience.

Ground beef (1 lb): The hearty base that adds meaty richness and satisfying texture to the casserole.
Peeled and diced potatoes (4 cups): Providing a tender, comforting bite that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
Onion, diced (1 medium): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the savory beef mixture.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): Brings a fragrant, aromatic punch that enhances every bite.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Perfect for sautéing the onions and beef to golden perfection.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and elevating all other ingredients.
Paprika or smoked paprika (1 tsp, optional): Adds a hint of warmth and smoky complexity to the beef.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): The star of the cheese sauce, delivering creamy, sharp, melty bliss.
Milk (1 cup): Creates a smooth, luscious sauce that binds all the flavors beautifully.
Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness to the cheese sauce for that silky, decadent texture.
All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Helps thicken the cheese sauce into a velvety coating.
Mustard powder (½ tsp, optional): Gives a subtle tang and depth to the cheese sauce without overpowering it.
Breadcrumbs (½ cup, optional): Sprinkled on top for a golden, crunchy contrast.
Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp): Adds a nutty, salty crispness to the casserole’s topping.
Fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and will bake evenly, setting the stage for the delicious layers to come.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant, which only takes a few minutes. Add your ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it for that extra smoky touch. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy but preserve all that savory flavor.

Step 3: Boil the Potatoes

While the beef mixture is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the diced potatoes. Cook them just until tender, around 8 to 10 minutes — not too soft, since they’ll finish baking in the casserole. Drain them thoroughly so the potatoes can absorb the cheese sauce beautifully later.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in the flour. Cooking it for about a minute eliminates the raw flour taste and helps thicken your sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until everything thickens up nicely. Now it’s time for the star ingredient: shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it in until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and utterly irresistible. For a subtle tang, add mustard powder if you like.

Step 5: Assemble Your Casserole

Layer your casserole starting with a bed of tender potatoes in your baking dish. Next, spread the savory beef mixture evenly on top, followed by a generous pour of the rich cheese sauce. If you like, repeat these layers for extra cheesiness and heartiness. Finish everything off with a final layer of cheese sauce for maximum gooey goodness.

Step 6: Add the Topping and Bake

Sprinkle breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese over the top to create a delightfully crunchy crust. Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden. Once out of the oven, a sprinkle of fresh parsley lifts the dish with vibrant color and a hint of freshness.

How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic garnish for this casserole, adding a lively green pop and a mild herbal note that brightens up the rich dish. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole holds its own as a complete meal, but if you want to round things out, pair it with a crisp garden salad or steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans. These sides introduce refreshing textures and keep things balanced without competing with the casserole’s rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, serve this casserole straight from the baking dish. For a dinner party, consider scooping portions into individual ramekins before baking for a charming presentation. You can even add a drizzle of hot sauce or a few jalapeño slices on top for those who love a little heat alongside that cheesy comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole should be cooled completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making for easy next-day meals or snacks.

Freezing

This casserole freezes very well. After assembling but before baking, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and a layer of foil on top to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To reheat refrigerated or thawed casserole, bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly again. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and will work well in this casserole. Just be mindful it cooks a bit faster, and you may want to add a little extra seasoning to keep the flavors punchy.

What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they hold their shape well when boiled and have a creamy texture that complements the cheese sauce perfectly.

Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein like cooked lentils, sautéed mushrooms, or a meat substitute to keep that hearty texture without using meat.

Can I prepare the cheese sauce in advance?

Definitely! The cheese sauce can be made up to a day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat it gently on the stove before assembling the casserole, whisking to bring it back to a smooth consistency.

What if I don’t have mustard powder?

No worries if mustard powder is not on hand. It’s used to add depth and a slight tang to the cheese sauce, but the casserole will still be delicious without it.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a treasure in the world of comfort food. It effortlessly combines easy ingredients into a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and warmth. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a crowd-filled weekend gathering, this casserole will quickly become your trusted go-to. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just fall in love with this cheesy, meaty, potato-packed delight as much as I have!