Hamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe

The Ultimate Hamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe For Dinner Joy

Memories of hearty midwest comfort come flooding back with this delicious hamburger and potato casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Childhood dinners often centered around simple, filling meals like this one.

Layers of seasoned ground beef blend perfectly with tender potato slices.

Crispy edges and melted cheese create an irresistible combination you’ll devour.

Rustic ingredients combine to form a classic dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners just became significantly more exciting with this no-fuss, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Gather around the table and savor every comforting, cheesy bite.

Hamburger And Potato Casserole Keeps Meals Hearty

  • Comfort Food Magic: Hearty, stick-to-your-ribs casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
  • Minimal Prep Champion: Straightforward layering technique requires only basic chopping and browning skills, perfect for beginner cooks who want delicious results.
  • One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, vegetables, and cheese in a single baking dish, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time after a busy day.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kid-friendly recipe with familiar ingredients that satisfy everyone's taste buds, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable for parents.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Breakdown

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich meat that provides the main protein and hearty flavor for the casserole, choose lean ground beef for healthier option.
  • Onion: Adds depth and aromatic base to the ground beef, fresh and crisp onion works best.
Starch and Binding:
  • Potatoes: Sliced thin to create layers and absorb flavors, russet or yellow potatoes are ideal for even cooking.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy sauce that helps bind ingredients and add moisture, look for low-sodium versions if desired.
  • Milk: Helps create smooth and creamy texture in the casserole, whole milk provides richest consistency.
Cheese and Seasoning:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp, tangy flavor to the dish, sharp or medium cheddar recommended.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall taste of the casserole, use freshly ground black pepper for best results.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Steps

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Grab a rectangular baking dish and generously coat the inside with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Ground Beef And Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and diced onions together.

Break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.

Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat using a colander.

Step 3: Create Creamy Soup Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Whole milk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Build First Layer

Arrange a neat layer of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the greased baking dish.

Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.

Step 5: Add First Sauce Layer

Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef and potato layer.

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top.

Step 6: Create Second Layer

Repeat the layering process with remaining ingredients.

Start with potato slices, then beef, followed by soup mixture and cheese.

Step 7: Bake The Casserole

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake for 60 minutes in the preheated oven.

Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese turns golden and starts bubbling.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Serve hot and enjoy the comfort food!

Timing Tricks For Hamburger Potato Bake That Works

  • Remove as much grease as possible from browned beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a lighter, healthier dish.
  • Slice potatoes uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent undercooked or overcooked sections in your casserole.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend to add unique flavor profiles and personal touch.
  • Use low-fat cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version to manage the casserole's overall richness and prevent soggy texture.
  • Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms between layers to increase vegetable content and enhance nutritional value without compromising the classic comfort food taste.

Hamburger & Potato Casserole Storage Plan

  • Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through the center.

Classic Sides for Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Enhance with Red Wine Pairing: Select a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the beef and cheese.
  • Create Fresh Salad Contrast: Prepare a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy and heavy texture, cutting through the richness with bright, acidic notes.
  • Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Roast seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots with herbs to add a nutritious and colorful side that provides textural variation and additional nutrition.
  • Add Craft Beer Option: Choose a robust amber ale or brown ale that matches the casserole's savory profile, enhancing the comfort food experience with complementary malty undertones.

Hamburger and Potato Casserole New Takes

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining the casserole's rich, comforting flavor.
  • Vegetarian Bean Option: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils, using vegetable soup instead of cream of mushroom for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and replace regular cheese with certified gluten-free cheese to make the casserole safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a creamy texture without traditional dairy ingredients.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

  • How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Double-check seasoning and cheese labels for potential gluten content.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, this casserole is a hit with kids! The cheesy, hearty combination of potatoes and meat is usually very appealing to children, and it’s an easy way to get them to eat a balanced meal.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply remove from the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

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Hamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe

Hamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger and potato casserole delivers comfort straight from midwestern kitchens, blending seasoned ground beef with creamy potato layers. Crispy cheese-topped goodness promises a satisfying meal for hungry families craving classic home-style cooking.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese

Soup and Liquid:

  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the hearty casserole.
  2. Transform ground beef into a rich, flavorful base by sautéing with diced onions in a skillet, ensuring the meat browns evenly and excess grease is completely eliminated.
  3. Craft a creamy sauce by whisking together condensed mushroom soup and milk, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  4. Prepare a greased baking vessel, strategically arranging a foundation of thinly sliced potatoes to create the first delectable layer.
  5. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture generously over the potato base, creating a robust and satisfying initial stratum.
  6. Cascade half of the silky soup mixture across the layers, allowing it to seep between the potatoes and meat.
  7. Sprinkle a lavish amount of shredded cheese, creating a tantalizing dairy blanket that will melt into golden perfection.
  8. Replicate the layering process with the remaining ingredients, building a symmetrical and appetizing casserole structure.
  9. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, protecting the delicate ingredients during initial baking.
  10. Bake for one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to become tender.
  11. Uncover the casserole, exposing it to direct heat to achieve a gloriously golden and bubbling cheese topping.
  12. Allow the casserole to rest briefly, letting the ingredients settle and making it easier to serve perfect, cohesive portions.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
  • Slice potatoes uniformly for consistent cooking and even texture throughout the casserole.
  • Consider using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to control salt intake and customize flavor profile.
  • Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 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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