Do Share Recipe

Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe | Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food

I recently made this Hamburger Potato Casserole on a cozy evening, and I have to tell you it turned out even better than I expected. The layers of savory beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese were a warm hug on a plate.

If you like exploring comforting dishes like Baked Lemon Herb Cod with Rice Pilaf Recipe, you’ll love this twist on a classic casserole.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to build this satisfying casserole. I include tips from my own kitchen experiments to make it turn out better:

1 lb ground beef — I prefer a lean mix (85/15) so there’s flavor but not too much grease.
4 medium potatoes (russet or Yukon gold), peeled and sliced thin — thin slices cook evenly and meld with the meat.
1 medium onion, finely chopped — adds sweetness and depth; sautéing first softens its bite.
1 to 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) — freshly shredded melts better and avoids coating with anti-caking agents.
½ cup milk — gives creaminess and helps the layers bind together.
2 tbsp butter, melted — enriches the dish and helps the milk soak into potatoes.
Salt, to taste — always start light and adjust after baking.
Pepper, to taste — freshly ground gives the best aroma.
Garlic powder, to taste — adds a subtle savory note without overpowering.

Note: Serves about 6 people.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick snapshot of the timing:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Preheat and Brown the Beef

I always start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190 °C) so it’s ready when I need it. Then I place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart and cooking for 7 to 10 minutes or until fully browned. Once done, I drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.

Sauté Onion & Season the Mixture

After draining, I return the skillet to medium heat and toss in the chopped onion. I sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Then I sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the beef-onion mix, stirring for another minute so the flavors meld together nicely.

Assemble the Layers

While the beef mixture is cooking, I peel and slice the potatoes as thinly as I can. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish I lay half of the potato slices in a single, even layer, seasoning with a touch of salt and pepper. Then I spread the beef-onion mix evenly over the potatoes.

Add the Creamy Mixture and Cheese

I top the meat layer with the remaining potato slices. In a small bowl I whisk together the milk and melted butter, then pour that carefully over the top so it seeps between layers. Finally, I sprinkle 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly, ensuring complete coverage.

Bake Covered, Then Uncover

I cover the baking dish with foil and pop it into the preheated oven for 45 minutes to let the potatoes soften. After that, I remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. I check doneness by poking a fork into the potatoes — they should be tender. Once baked, I let the casserole rest about 10 minutes before slicing.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this several times, here are some tweaks I’ve found helpful:

Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded — I get a creamier melt and better texture.
Let the casserole rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes before serving — it helps it set and slice cleanly.
Don’t overlayer potatoes — I find 2 thin layers to ensure the milk reaches all slices.
Taste and adjust salt after baking — flavors concentrate during cooking.
For extra crisp edges, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — but watch it closely.

Variations

You can switch things around while keeping the heart of this dish. (Also a nice complement to your collection of dinner recipes.)

Dairy-free: Use a plant-based milk (like oat or almond) and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Lower carb: Replace half the potatoes with thinly sliced zucchini or cauliflower.
Spicy kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne with the beef.
Veggie boost: Mix in frozen peas or corn in the beef layer to add color and nutrients.
Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for heat, gouda for smokiness, or a blend for complexity.

Equipment You Need

Here’s what I used, and why each tool helps:

Skillet — for browning beef and sautéing onion
Mixing Bowl — to mix milk and butter (and other ingredients)
9×13-inch Baking Dish — to layer and bake the casserole
Foil — to cover during initial baking
Grater — for shredding cheese freshly
Knife & cutting board — for slicing potatoes and onion

How to Serve Hamburger Potato Casserole?

Serving this dish beautifully makes it even more satisfying. Here are my suggestions:

Serve warm alongside a crisp green salad — the freshness balances the richness.
Pair with garlic bread or crusty rolls — perfect for scooping up sauce.
Offer a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top — for contrast and color.
Cut into neat squares and serve on a decorative platter for gatherings — it presents beautifully.

(If you enjoy exploring recipes, you might also like Chicken and Vegetable Curry with Rice Recipe — another crowd-pleaser.

Calories Count

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving (approximate):

Calories: ~ 400–450
Protein: 20–25 g
Carbohydrates: 30–35 g
Fat: 20–25 g
Fiber: 2–3 g
Sodium: varies based on seasoning

How to Store the Casserole?

Refrigerating: Cool fully, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezing: Wrap tightly or use a freezer-safe container; it keeps up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw (if frozen), then reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few great reasons:

It’s easy to prepare — minimal steps but big flavor.
It’s versatile — you can customize it with veggies, cheeses, or spices.
It’s family-friendly & comforting — satisfying textures and flavors everyone enjoys.
It holds up well for leftovers and meal prep — perfect as a next-day dish.
You can adapt it to dietary needs — swap ingredients for dairy-free or low-carb versions.

Extra Friendly Notes

This Hamburger Potato Casserole marries simplicity with comfort. The secret is layering thin potato slices so they absorb the creamy milk and butter mix, blending seamlessly with the seasoned beef. Fresh grated cheese really makes the topping sing. And resting it before cutting helps the slices stay together.

If you try this recipe, I promise you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd — and with the variations you can stretch it across your menu. Let me know if you want a printable version or a step-by-step photo guide!

Ben Carraoli