If you’re looking for incredibly easy and cheesy dinner ideas, you’ve come to the right place! I love a good casserole that uses simple ingredients and makes everyone happy at the dinner table. These ground beef and potato or hamburger casseroles are perfect for busy weeknights and totally satisfying.
I put together two of my go-to recipes that feature comforting beef and plenty of cheese. They are straightforward to make, budget-friendly, and always a hit. Get ready to add some new favorites to your meal plan!
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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef And Potato Casserole Recipe
This casserole brings together hearty ground beef and tender potatoes with a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a full meal in one dish that’s simple to put together and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Ground Beef Casserole
- Potato Prep: For best results, slice your potatoes thinly so they cook evenly and get nice and tender. You can use a mandoline for speed.
- Cheese Blend: I like a mix of sharp cheddar for flavor and Monterey Jack for its great melt. Use what you like best!
- Creamy Base: Cream of mushroom soup gives a really rich, comforting sauce, but cream of chicken soup works well too if that’s what you have.
What You Need for Ground Beef Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2-3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A pinch of garlic powder
⏱️ Time: Prep 15 mins, Cook 40 mins🍽️ Yields: 6 generous servings
How to Make This Cheesy Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Beef and Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Set aside. This will be the creamy base for your casserole.
Step 3: Layer and Bake
Spread half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the cooked beef and onion mixture. Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat layers with the remaining potatoes, soup mixture, and cheese. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Then, dish it out and enjoy your hearty meal!
📝 Final Note on Casserole Storage
This casserole makes great leftovers! Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe
This hamburger casserole is a classic for a reason. It’s an easy, comforting meal packed with ground beef, pasta, and plenty of cheese, making it a perfect family dinner any night of the week.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Hamburger Casserole
- Pasta Choice: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but penne or rotini work just as well. Cook your pasta al dente (a little firm) since it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers with the beef for extra nutrition and color.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t forget to season the beef well with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to build up the taste.
What You Need for Hamburger Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
⏱️ Time: Prep 20 mins, Cook 25 mins🍽️ Yields: 4-5 servings
How to Make This Cheesy Hamburger Dish
Step 1: Cook Beef and Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat. Drain any extra fat once cooked through.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base
To the skillet with the beef, add the tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tastes to combine. Then, stir in the cooked macaroni and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly
Pour the beef and pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated all the way through.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley. This dish is great on its own or with a simple green salad.
📝 Final Note on Making Ahead
You can assemble this casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
