Introduction:
Let me tell you a little story. Last winter, on one of those freezing Midwest nights when you can’t even feel your fingers, I decided to pull out this cheesy hamburger potato casserole recipe. Trust me, I wasn’t trying to get fancy—I just wanted something that would warm up my belly and make the house smell like comfort.
This dish is the kind of food that makes you feel like home, no matter where you are. Layers of ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese—it’s a hug in the form of a casserole.
The first time I made this, I had a couple of friends over to watch football. I wasn’t sure how it would go. But man, when I pulled it out of the oven, bubbling and golden, everybody dropped their beers and lined up for a plate. It didn’t even last ten minutes. That’s when I knew I had a winner.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this cheesy hamburger potato casserole recipe:
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or mushroom soup
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings:
Crispy fried onions
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra shredded cheese
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion soft. Add garlic and cook for one more minute. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Drain excess fat.
Layer the Casserole: Spread half the potatoes in the dish, top with half the beef, and sprinkle half the cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, cream soup, and milk until smooth. Pour over the casserole.
Bake Covered: Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes.
Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender and top is golden. Add crispy fried onions or extra cheese in the last 5 minutes if you like.
Cool & Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
