Are you craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s both filling and packed with flavor? Look no further than this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole! With layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and become a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this casserole is easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Here’s why this casserole will quickly become one of your go-to recipes:
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole comes together quickly. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Comforting and Filling: The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese creates a hearty dish that will keep you satisfied for hours.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the savory flavors and gooey cheese. It’s a perfect meal to serve to a crowd or as a family dinner.
- Leftover-Friendly: This casserole makes great leftovers! It stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious cheesy casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups frozen hashbrowns or diced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup (optional, for added creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef)
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and gets that golden, bubbly finish.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set the beef aside.
- Prepare the Potato Layer: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hashbrowns (or diced potatoes) with sour cream, milk, and the cream of mushroom soup (if using). Stir to combine until the potatoes are coated with the creamy mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the potato mixture on the bottom. Top with a layer of cooked ground beef, then sprinkle with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbly. For the last 5 minutes, remove the foil to allow the cheese to melt and brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired, before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Customize the Potatoes: If you prefer fresh potatoes, you can peel and dice them, then cook them until tender before layering them in the casserole.
- Add Vegetables: For an extra boost of nutrients, try adding vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to the casserole.
- Use Different Cheeses: Feel free to mix up the cheese. While cheddar is classic, you can also try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites.
- Make it Spicy: For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.
- Meal Prep: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, and bake it when ready to serve. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and bake from frozen.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to make it even more enjoyable:
- Fresh Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad to add some freshness and crunch.
- Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm garlic bread for a comforting, carb-loaded feast.
- Pickles: A side of crunchy pickles or coleslaw pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese into one delicious dish. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Try this recipe today, and you’ll see why it’s such a popular choice!