Savory Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe: Cozy Family Favorite

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty hamburger potato casserole that promises to delight your taste buds.

Every forkful tells a story of warmth and satisfaction.

Layers of tender potatoes nestle between seasoned ground beef, creating a symphony of flavors.

Melted cheese weaves through the dish, binding ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with minimal effort.

Home cooking doesn’t get more satisfying than this crowd-pleasing classic.

A Cozy Combo of Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Cheddar

• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that wraps you in warmth with every delicious bite.
• Quick Weeknight Savior: Prepares in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families needing a fast, nutritious dinner solution.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese to create a filling meal without breaking the bank.
• One-Dish Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by combining protein, vegetables, and cheese in a single casserole, saving time and effort for home cooks.

What’s In A Hamburger Potato Bake

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein base that adds richness and substance to the casserole, choose lean ground beef for less grease.

• Russet Potatoes, Onion: Russet potatoes provide a creamy, starchy foundation and hold their shape well during baking, while onions offer a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a tangy, melty goodness that binds the casserole together.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creamy texture and savory undertones, a classic casserole binding agent.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, rich sauce and prevents the casserole from becoming dry.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A simple yet robust seasoning mix that enhances the overall flavor profile, with garlic powder providing warmth and paprika adding a subtle smokiness.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a light, clean flavor during cooking.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh, herbal brightness to the finished dish.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Directions

Step 1: Prep the Cooking Space

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a large skillet and olive oil to get started.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions into the skillet with a splash of olive oil.

Let them dance and soften until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the onions.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Break up the meat and cook until it transforms into a delicious golden-brown delight.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Build the First Layer

Grease your casserole dish.

Spread a generous layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom.

Step 6: Add the First Meat Layer

Scatter the browned beef mixture over the potatoes.

Drizzle half the creamy sauce on top.

Step 7: Sprinkle the Cheese

Shower the layer with a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 8: Repeat the Layers

Duplicate the previous steps with remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and cheese.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Slide into the oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 10: Final Golden Touch

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 more minutes.

Watch for tender potatoes and a golden-brown cheese crust.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement.

Handy Tips for Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes into uniform thickness for consistent cooking and attractive layers.
• Cook ground beef until completely browned to develop rich, deep flavors and eliminate any raw meat taste.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or Swiss for unique flavor profiles and added depth.
• Substitute low-fat cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat cheese to create a healthier version of this comforting casserole.
• Add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the soup mixture for extra aromatic complexity and robust taste.

Hamburger Potato Casserole – Tips to Keep It Flavorful

• 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 dish for up to 2 months without compromising flavor or texture.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through, ensuring the cheese melts evenly.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to distribute heat consistently and maintain the casserole's delicious taste.

Things That Pair Well with Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the hamburger potato casserole.
• Serve Fresh Green Salad: Create a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy and savory profile.
• Match Tangy Pickles: Add dill pickle spears or a small pickle relish on the side to cut through the dish's richness and provide a sharp, refreshing contrast.
• Boost with Craft Beer: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA that can stand up to the robust beef and cheesy potato layers, enhancing the overall meal experience.

Hamburger Potato Casserole: Creative Serving Ideas

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to create a lower-carbohydrate version perfect for keto dieters.
• Vegetarian Ground Beef Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free protein option that maintains the casserole's hearty texture.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Version: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives to make the recipe suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure condensed soup is gluten-free and replace regular cheese with a certified gluten-free cheese to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• What can I do if I don't have condensed cream of mushroom soup?

You can make a substitute by creating a roux with butter, flour, milk, and mushrooms, or use cream of chicken soup as an alternative.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger potato casserole delivers comfort with layers of ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese. Savory flavors blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your dinner table and delights hungry family members.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) milk
• 1 can (10.75 ounces/305 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
2. Sauté diced onions in a skillet with olive oil until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness.
3. Introduce ground beef into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook thoroughly until the meat browns and develops a rich, caramelized exterior.
4. Whisk together condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and paprika in a separate mixing bowl, creating a creamy binding sauce.
5. Prepare a casserole dish by lightly greasing the surface, then create the first foundational layer with half of the thinly sliced potatoes.
6. Distribute half of the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly across the potato layer, ensuring consistent coverage.
7. Drizzle approximately half of the prepared soup mixture over the beef and potato layers, allowing the sauce to seep between the ingredients.
8. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese to add a rich, melty dimension to the first layer.
9. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, soup mixture, and cheese, building depth and complexity.
10. Securely cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and potatoes to soften.
12. Remove the foil during the final 15 minutes of cooking to enable the cheese to turn golden and develop a crispy texture.
13. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added herbal freshness before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that still delivers amazing flavor.
• Layer thin potato slices evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent uneven texture throughout the casserole.
• Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to the soup mixture for a more complex, aromatic profile that elevates the classic comfort dish.
• Top with crispy bacon bits or breadcrumbs during the last 15 minutes of baking for an irresistible crunchy texture that adds depth to the creamy casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg