There’s something magical about a hearty casserole that brings everyone to the table. This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting, satisfying dish that layers tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a gooey, golden cheese topping. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for busy weeks.

With simple ingredients and an easy step-by-step process, this casserole combines rich, familiar flavors that are hard to resist. From the creamy cheese to the perfectly seasoned beef, every bite is a cozy reminder of home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole ticks all the boxes for a go-to recipe:

Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with any side salad or vegetable.
Budget-Friendly: Made with everyday ingredients you likely already have at home.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare ahead of time and bake when ready for an easy weeknight solution.

Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity, using pantry staples to create a dish that feels gourmet. Here’s what you’ll need:

Potatoes: About 5-6 medium-sized golden or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced for even cooking.
Ground Beef: 1 lb of lean ground beef, cooked and seasoned to perfection.
Onion: 1 medium onion, diced, to add sweetness and depth of flavor to the meat layer.
Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheese (a mix of mozzarella and cheddar works wonderfully for creaminess and sharpness).
Heavy Cream: 1 cup to bring creaminess and moisture to the casserole.
Butter: 2 tablespoons for sautéing the onions and enhancing the overall richness.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the layers of the casserole.
Fresh Thyme (optional): A sprinkle of thyme for garnish adds a hint of earthiness and a pop of color.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Follow these easy steps to assemble and bake your casserole to golden perfection:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. Set them aside in cold water to prevent browning.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

In the prepared baking dish, start by layering half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Spread half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the potatoes.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beef layer.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, and 1 more cup of cheese on top.

Step 4: Add Cream and Bake

Pour the heavy cream evenly over the entire casserole. Dot the top with the remaining butter to help the cheese brown beautifully.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Step 5: Finish Baking

Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired, and serve warm.

How Long to Bake Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

The baking time for this casserole depends on the thickness of your potato slices and your oven’s performance. Here’s a guideline to ensure perfectly cooked layers every time:

Covered Baking: Bake the casserole covered with foil for 40 minutes at 375°F (190°C). This helps the potatoes cook through and stay moist.
Uncovered Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Got leftovers? This casserole stores wonderfully and can easily be reheated for a quick, satisfying meal:

Refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

Slice Potatoes Thinly and Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to ensure uniform slices for even cooking.
Choose the Right Cheese: A combination of mozzarella for gooeyness and cheddar for sharpness makes for the perfect topping.
Season Each Layer: Lightly seasoning the potatoes and beef as you layer ensures balanced flavor in every bite.
Add Crunch: Sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for a crispy golden crust.
Customize It: Add veggies like mushrooms, peas, or carrots to the beef layer for extra nutrition and flavor.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Author: Ava McKenney
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese in every bite. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish is simple, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

6 medium golden or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 lb ground beef, cooked and seasoned
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella and cheddar blend)
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, setting them aside in cold water to prevent browning.
In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp of butter and sauté the diced onion until softened. Add the ground beef, cook until browned, and season with salt and pepper. Drain any excess grease.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Add half of the cooked ground beef mixture on top, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese.
Pour the heavy cream evenly over the top, and dot the surface with the remaining butter.
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden.
Let rest for 5-10 minutes, garnish with fresh thyme if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

For added crunch, top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Add vegetables like mushrooms or carrots to the beef layer for extra flavor and nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes