Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 | Difficulty: Easy | Calories per Serving: 480

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt (divided)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup milk

• 4 cups (about 4 medium) potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russet)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

2. Cook the Beef & Onions

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned (about 5-7 minutes).

• Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.

• Drain excess fat, then season with ½ tsp salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.

3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

• In a medium bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.

• Stir until smooth and well combined.

4. Layer the Casserole

• First Layer: Spread half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Sprinkle with ¼ tsp salt.

• Second Layer: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.

• Third Layer: Pour half of the cheese sauce over the beef.

• Fourth Layer: Add the remaining potatoes, sprinkle with ¼ tsp salt, then top with the rest of the cheese sauce.

5. Bake & Add Cheese Topping

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.

• Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.

• Bake uncovered for 10 more minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Rest & Serve

• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with fresh parsley (optional).

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Additional Nutrition:

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g

• Cholesterol: 95mg

• Sodium: 900mg

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Tips & Variations

✅ Make it Spicy: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the beef.
✅ Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles.
✅ Extra Veggies: Mix in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
✅ Crispy Topping: Add buttered breadcrumbs before the final bake.

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Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a filling, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy nights. The layers of beef, potatoes, and melted cheese create a comforting meal that everyone will love.