Easy Cheesy Hamburger and Potato Casserole

This cozy hamburger and potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food, made with simple pantry staples and hearty ingredients. It’s a family favorite that comes together with minimal effort and bakes to creamy, cheesy perfection.

Easy Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe

• Quick and simple prep: Only 15 minutes of hands-on prep before the oven does the rest.
• Deliciously comforting: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Ingredients for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: Stick with 85/15 or 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor. You can substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken if you like but it will change the overall flavor of the casserole.
• Herbs & Spices: The combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder is my favorite go-to combination to add tons of flavor in no time!
• Frozen Diced Hashbrown Potatoes: Convenient and quick to use. Fresh diced potatoes will also work, but will require extra cooking time.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a rich, creamy base. Cream of chicken soup can be used as a substitute.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the sauce. Plain Greek yogurt can work in a pinch.
• Half and Half: Provides creaminess without being overly heavy. Whole milk or heavy cream can be swapped in.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory depth and umami flavor. Use soy sauce as a substitute.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds richness. Cheddar or Monterey Jack are good alternatives.

How to Make Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Cook the beef. Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling it with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper.

Make the creamy sauce. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half and half, Worcestershire sauce, and a couple large pinches of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1 cup (about 4 ounces) of shredded cheese.

Add potatoes and sauce. Pour the frozen diced potatoes and the creamy sauce into the pan with the ground beef.

Combine everything. Mix until well combined and coated in the creamy sauce.

Top with cheese. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.

Bake and broil. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is warmed through. Remove the foil and broil for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese turns dark golden brown.

Cool and garnish. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with sliced green onion and fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Making Hamburger and Potato Casserole

• If you don’t have a large saute pan that can go from the stove top to the oven, just transfer everything to a 9×13 pan, top with cheese, and bake!
• Use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest melt and best flavor.
• Make sure to cover the casserole tightly with foil so the potatoes cook evenly.
• For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the mixture.
• If using fresh diced potatoes, parboil them for 5-7 minutes before adding to the casserole.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the colder temperature.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Hamburger and Potato Casserole

• Assemble the casserole completely, but do not bake.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra cooking time to account for the colder temp.

Reheating Hamburger and Potato Casserole

• Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-60 second bursts, stirring between intervals, until warmed through.
• To reheat larger portions, cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• air fryer green beans
• air fryer asparagus
• cheesy broccoli casserole
• simple house salad
• easy garlic bread

Try these easy ground beef recipes next!