Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

This cheesy hamburger potato casserole is a simple and filling dish that works well for busy nights or cozy weekends. It is made with everyday ingredients and delivers a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal. With layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, and melty cheese, this recipe is easy to prepare and comforting to enjoy.

Many people turn to a hamburger and potato casserole when they want a meal that is both hearty and budget-friendly. This version skips canned soup and uses a quick homemade sauce, giving it a fresh and creamy taste without extra effort.

WHY THIS CASSEROLE IS A GOOD CHOICE

• It is made with simple, affordable ingredients found in most kitchens.
• The leftovers keep well and can be enjoyed the next day.
• It is a dish that tends to be enjoyed by all ages, from kids to adults.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Here are the main ingredients for this casserole with hamburger meat and potatoes:

• Ground Beef – Lean ground beef works best, as it gives good flavor without being greasy.
• Potatoes – Russet potatoes are ideal. They slice well and become soft in the oven.
• Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar adds a strong cheesy taste and melts nicely.
• Chicken Broth – Adds flavor to the sauce. Beef broth can also be used for a richer taste.
• Milk – Whole milk creates a creamy texture without being too heavy.
• Butter – Unsalted butter helps build the sauce and allows you to control the salt level.
• Flour – Used to thicken the sauce.
• Italian Herbs – A blend of herbs adds flavor and aroma.

Liora’s Tip: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the potatoes evenly. Thin slices cook better and more evenly in the oven.

HOW TO MAKE HAMBURGER POTATO CASSEROLE

Follow these steps to make a delicious hamburger potato casserole:

1. Make the Sauce: Melt butter in a pot. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add the broth and milk, whisking until smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, sauté onions and garlic. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Layer the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, add a layer of potato slices, a layer of meat, and a layer of sauce. Repeat the layers until everything is used. Finish with shredded cheddar cheese on top.
4. Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 20 more minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
5. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 10–15 minutes before serving so it can set.

OPTIONAL ADD-INS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

This ground beef potato casserole can be customized in many ways:

• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for extra flavor.
• Add cooked bacon pieces for a smoky twist.
• Use heavy cream instead of milk for a creamier sauce.
• Top with crushed crackers or chips before baking for a crunchy texture.
• Try frozen tater tots in place of sliced potatoes for a fun variation.

HELPFUL TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Make sure potato slices are thin and even so they cook all the way through.
• Lightly season each layer with salt and pepper if desired, especially the potatoes.
• Keep the casserole covered during most of the baking time to allow the potatoes to soften properly.
• Let the casserole rest after baking so it holds its shape when sliced.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS CASSEROLE

This cheesy hamburger potato casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few side ideas:

• A green salad with light dressing can add freshness to the plate.
• Steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli pair well with this rich dish.
• Pickled items, such as onions or cucumbers, can add a tangy contrast.

HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVERS

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.
• To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

This easy cheesy hamburger potato casserole is a great example of how simple ingredients can come together to make a comforting meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or a family-friendly dish, this hamburger and potato casserole is a reliable choice. With homemade sauce, hearty meat, and soft potatoes, it’s a cozy meal that fits almost any occasion.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the kind of no-fuss comfort food you’ll want to make when you're craving something warm, cheesy, and totally satisfying. It's easy to prepare, hearty, and sure to have everyone scraping their plates for the last bite.

No ratings yet

Print Pin

Course: Dinner

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 380kcal

Author: Liora

Ingredients

For the Creamy Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

For the Casserole

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 2 lbs Russet potatoes thinly sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

• Start with the sauce – In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until smooth and slightly golden.
• Slowly pour in the chicken broth a little at a time, whisking continuously to keep it lump-free. When fully combined, add in the milk and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens to a smooth, pourable consistency.
• Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once everything is well combined, take the sauce off the heat and set it aside.
• Make the meat filling – In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they soften and become fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart with your spoon. Once fully browned, stir in the Italian herbs and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Time to assemble! Layer one-third of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish. Spoon over one-third of the creamy sauce and then one-third of the beef mixture. Repeat the layers twice more, ending with the sauce and beef.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes. For an extra-crispy cheese topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
• Let the casserole rest for at least 15 minutes before serving—this helps everything set and makes it easier to slice.
• Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

• Want even more cheesy goodness? Stir ½ cup of shredded cheddar right into the sauce while it’s still hot.
• Peel your potatoes if you like them extra tender—totally a personal choice.
• This dish makes fantastic leftovers—just reheat and enjoy all over again.

Please note that the nutritional values are provided by an online calculator and should be considered as an estimate.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 611mg | Potassium: 746mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 373IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 175mg | Iron: 3mg

Love this recipe? Pin it on Pinterest so you can find it easily next time!