Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe: Comfort Food Magic

What sounds more comforting than a hearty hamburger potato casserole that warms your soul on chilly evenings?

Meat and potatoes create a classic combination loved across many kitchens.

Home cooks appreciate simple dishes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Layers of seasoned ground beef intermingle with tender potato slices, creating a satisfying meal.

Crispy edges and a golden-brown top promise deliciousness in every single bite.

Cheese melts beautifully throughout this one-pan wonder, adding richness to each forkful.

How to Store and Reheat Hamburger Potato Casserole Portions

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving the meal for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through completely.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming and maintain the casserole's creamy consistency.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Side Picks

Pairing Potato Beef Casserole with Perfect Companions:
  • Refresh with Crisp Salad: Toss a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness and add fresh, zesty contrast.
  • Match with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the hearty beef and creamy cheese flavors.
  • Cool Down with Pickled Sides: Add dill pickles or quick-pickled vegetables to provide a sharp, acidic bite that balances the casserole's creamy texture.
  • Finish with Simple Dessert: Serve a light apple crisp or vanilla pudding to cleanse the palate after the rich, savory main dish.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Cozy Recipe Variants

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade gluten-free mushroom sauce using cornstarch and alternative milk. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired for topping.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute sliced potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate version. Maintain the same layering technique and cooking time.
  • Vegetarian Lentil Version: Replace ground beef with cooked brown lentils or plant-based meat substitute. Keep all other ingredients and cooking instructions identical to the original recipe.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese. Select unsweetened almond or oat milk as a milk replacement in the soup mixture.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes. They provide similar texture and protein while offering a leaner option.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. The cream of mushroom soup typically contains gluten. You’ll need to use a gluten-free cream soup or make a homemade alternative to make the recipe gluten-free.

  • How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or frozen mixed vegetables to increase the nutritional value. These will blend well with the beef and potatoes without changing the core recipe.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Keeps It Simple And Filling

  • Comfort Food Champion: Delivers hearty, satisfying meal with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.
  • Quick Weeknight Lifesaver: Requires only 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy families needing a delicious dinner solution without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup, creating a filling meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.
  • One-Dish Wonder: Simplifies meal preparation by combining protein, vegetables, and cheese in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and maximizing convenience for home cooks.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Essentials

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty main protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
  • Onion: Adds depth and aromatic base to enhance the meat's taste.
Starch and Vegetables:
  • Potatoes: Comforting base ingredient that creates a filling and satisfying texture.
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, tangy layer of flavor.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Helps bind ingredients and adds a smooth, savory element.
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a creamy consistency.
Seasoning:
  • Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
  • Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and completes the seasoning profile.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Made Easy

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for our delicious adventure.

Step 2: Transform the Beef

In a sizzling skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onions.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light and tasty.

Step 3: Prepare Potato Slices

Slice those potatoes into thin, even rounds that will create mouthwatering layers in our casserole.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Whip up a dreamy mixture in a large bowl with:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Milk
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Blend everything until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Build First Potato Layer

Grease your casserole dish and spread out the first half of potato slices to create a delicious foundation.

Step 6: Add Beef Layer

Sprinkle the browned beef evenly over the potato layer, creating a hearty base.

Step 7: Pour First Sauce Layer

Drizzle half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef, letting it seep into every delicious crevice.

Step 8: Repeat Layering

Repeat the previous steps with remaining:
  • Potato slices
  • Beef
  • Soup mixture

Creating beautiful, tasty layers.

Step 9: Cheese Crown

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty masterpiece.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish and bake for 1 hour.

Then uncover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set, then dive into this comforting, cheesy delight.

Hamburger Potato Casserole – Layering And Baking Tips

  • Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create even, thin potato slices for consistent cooking and better texture.
  • Remove as much fat as possible to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
  • Experiment with different cheese types like monterey jack, gruyère, or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles.
  • Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to increase vegetable content and enhance overall nutrition.
  • Substitute cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free version or homemade cream sauce to accommodate dietary restrictions.
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Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting hamburger potato casserole brings hearty Midwestern charm to family dinner tables. Layers of ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 potatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese

Sauce and Dairy:

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 milliliters) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even temperature for optimal cooking.
  2. Sauté ground beef with finely chopped onions in a skillet, carefully draining any excess fat to maintain a lean texture.
  3. Wash and thinly slice potatoes into uniform pieces, creating a consistent layer for even cooking.
  4. Create a creamy base by whisking together cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
  5. Grease a casserole dish and arrange the first layer of potato slices across the bottom, creating a solid foundation for the dish.
  6. Distribute the browned beef evenly over the potato layer, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Pour half of the prepared soup mixture over the beef, allowing it to seep between the layers and enhance the flavor.
  8. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potato slices, creating a second substantial layer.
  9. Add the remaining ground beef across the potato layer, maintaining an even distribution.
  10. Pour the rest of the soup mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring complete coverage and moisture.
  11. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty crust.
  12. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for one hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  13. Remove the foil during the final 15-20 minutes of baking to achieve a crispy, golden-brown cheese topping.
  14. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, helping the layers set and making it easier to serve.

Notes

  • Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier dish without compromising flavor.
  • Consider swapping cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher, less processed alternative that controls sodium content.
  • Customize the recipe by adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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