Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Irresistible Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe – Family Favorite

Cheesy hamburger potato casserole upgrades ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Layers of comfort nestle within this remarkable dish, promising warmth and satisfaction in each delectable forkful.

Home cooks adore how simple components meld together into something truly magical.

Crisp textures and robust flavors dance across your palate with surprising complexity.

hearty and filling, this casserole represents the ultimate weeknight solution for hungry families.

The perfect balance of protein, starch, and dairy creates a harmonious meal that feels simultaneously nostalgic and exciting.

Your dinner table will buzz with anticipation and appreciation.

What Makes This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole So Cozy

What Makes This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole So Cozy
  • Savor Hearty Comfort: This casserole delivers a soul-warming meal packed with rich flavors and satisfying textures that hug your taste buds like a cozy blanket.
  • Master Easy Layering Technique: Creating this dish involves simple, straightforward steps where anyone can stack ingredients without complicated culinary skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
  • Enjoy Protein-Packed Nutrition: Loaded with ground beef and cheese, this recipe provides a substantial protein punch that keeps you full and energized, making it an excellent option for family dinners or meal prep.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Flexible ingredients allow personal tweaks like adding different spices, switching cheese types, or incorporating extra vegetables to match individual preferences and nutritional needs.

Hearty Ingredients That Make This Casserole Stand Out

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Provides rich, meaty flavor and protein for the core of the casserole, best when lean to reduce excess fat.
Dairy Components:
  • Greek Yogurt, Milk, Butter: Creamy base that adds smooth texture and richness, choose full-fat versions for better flavor.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melty, tangy cheese topping that creates golden, crispy surface with deep cheese flavor.
Potato and Vegetable Base:
  • Potatoes: Starchy foundation that provides hearty texture and substance to the casserole, slice uniformly for even cooking.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build foundational flavor, fresh produce ensures maximum taste.
Seasoning and Flavoring Agents:
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex, umami depth to the meat mixture.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: Dried spices that enhance overall seasoning and provide warm, rounded flavor profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential basic seasonings for balancing and highlighting other ingredients.
Binding and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Thickens sauce and provides smooth consistency.
  • Beef Broth: Adds liquid depth and enhances meaty flavor in the sauce.
Additional Components:
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Prevents sticking and aids in easy dish removal.
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture during initial baking stage.

One-Pan Magic: How to Make This Hamburger Potato Bake

One-Pan Magic: How to Make This Hamburger Potato Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat completely.

Step 3: Add Aromatic Seasonings

Mix in the following ingredients to the beef:
  • Chopped onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika

Stir and cook until onions become soft and translucent.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in gluten-free flour until smooth. Gradually add:
  • Milk
  • Beef broth

Whisk continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in Greek yogurt. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Build the First Layer

Place a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half of the seasoned beef mixture. Pour half of the creamy sauce evenly over the top.

Step 6: Add the Second Layer

Repeat the layering process:
  • Remaining potato slices
  • Remaining beef mixture
  • Remaining cream sauce

Step 7: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle a generous amount of:
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Sharp cheddar cheese

Step 8: Bake Covered

Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 45-50 minutes until potatoes become tender.

Step 9: Finish Baking

Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes cutting easier.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole!

Comfort Food Tricks for Creamier, Cheesier Results

Comfort Food Tricks for Creamier, Cheesier Results
  • Potato Perfection: Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Fat Management: Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease that could make the dish too oily and heavy.
  • Flavor Boost: Add a dash of smoked paprika or herbs like thyme for an extra depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Let cheese rest at room temperature before sprinkling to help it melt more evenly and create a smoother topping.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for maximum taste impact.

How to Store and Reheat a Tray of Pure Comfort

  • Refrigerate: Transfer any remaining casserole into an airtight container within two hours after cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Freezing: Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15-20 minutes.

What to Pair with This Cheesy, Meaty, Potato-Packed Classic

  • Savor Rustic Red Wine Pairing: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot cuts through the richness of the cheesy beef and potato casserole, complementing its hearty flavors with deep, robust notes that enhance every bite.
  • Refresh with Crisp Side Salad: Toss a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy texture, adding a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between each delicious forkful.
  • Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Serve roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts seasoned with garlic and herbs, providing a nutritious and flavorful side that adds depth and vegetable variety to the meal while matching the casserole's warm, comforting profile.
  • Cool Down with Craft Beer: Choose a medium-bodied amber ale or brown ale that provides a smooth, malty backdrop to the casserole's rich cheese and beef components, creating a satisfying and balanced dining experience.

Easy Upgrades for Your Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Spicy Southwest Potato Bake: Replace Worcestershire sauce with taco seasoning, add diced green chiles, and swap mozzarella with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Lamb Fusion Casserole: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb, incorporate oregano and mint, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and sprinkle kalamata olives on top for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Vegetarian Potato and Mushroom Casserole: Swap ground beef with sautéed portobello mushrooms and lentils, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and add smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
  • Breakfast-Style Potato Casserole: Mix in crumbled breakfast sausage, top with scrambled eggs before final cheese layer, and include diced bell peppers for a morning meal transformation.
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Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Cheesy hamburger potato casserole brings layers of savory goodness to family dinner tables across America. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and tender potatoes create a satisfying one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) lean ground beef (about 93% lean)

Produce:

  • 3 Russet potatoes (skin on, sliced into 0.25 inches rounds)
  • 1.25 cups (296 milliliters) onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 cup (226 grams) mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup (226 grams) sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 0.25 cup (60 grams) Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) milk (plant-based or whole)
  • 2.25 tablespoons (32 grams) butter

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.25 cup (59 milliliters) beef broth
  • 2.25 tablespoons (20 grams) gluten-free flour
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Salt and pepper for cream sauce (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small, uniform pieces. Drain excess fat thoroughly to reduce greasiness.
  3. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
  4. Create the creamy sauce by melting butter in a separate saucepan. Whisk in gluten-free all-purpose flour until smooth and no lumps remain.
  5. Gradually pour milk and beef broth into the butter-flour mixture, whisking continuously to create a velvety consistency. Remove from heat and stir in Greek yogurt, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Arrange a single layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, covering the entire surface completely.
  7. Spread half of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the potato layer, ensuring even distribution.
  8. Pour approximately half of the creamy sauce over the beef, using a spatula to spread it uniformly.
  9. Repeat the layering process: add another layer of potato slices, followed by remaining ground beef and then the rest of the cream sauce.
  10. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses across the top layer, creating a complete cheese coverage.
  11. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender when pierced with a fork.
  12. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly. Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
  13. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

  • Layering Strategy Matters: Stack ingredients meticulously to guarantee maximum flavor distribution throughout every delectable bite.
  • Potato Preparation Tip: Slice potatoes uniformly thin ensures consistent cooking and prevents uneven textural experiences.
  • Fat Management Technique: Thoroughly draining ground beef eliminates excess grease, maintaining a cleaner, more refined dish profile.
  • Seasoning Complexity: Worcestershire sauce and complementary spices transform basic ingredients into a rich, multidimensional flavor landscape.
  • Cheese Selection Wisdom: Combining mozzarella and sharp cheddar creates a melty, tangy topping that elevates the entire casserole’s taste experience.
  • Baking Cover Strategy: Aluminum foil traps moisture initially, then removing allows cheese to crisp and potatoes to develop beautiful golden edges.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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