1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the Potatoes: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add the Beef Mixture: Spoon half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the potatoes.
- Add the Sauce: Drizzle half of the cream of mushroom mixture over the beef and potatoes.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, and sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it on as well.
5. Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Cool and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Serve with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing Option: Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples for easy preparation.
- Hearty and Filling: Perfect for feeding a hungry family.
- Customizable: Add veggies, extra cheese, or spices to make it your own.
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the definition of comfort food—cheesy, creamy, and bursting with flavor. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again!