Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Family Favorite

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty hamburger potato casserole that promises warmth in every single bite.

A dish that wraps you in nostalgia and satisfaction simultaneously.

Layers of tender potatoes intermingle with seasoned ground beef, creating a symphony of flavors.

Creamy textures and rich ingredients come together effortlessly in this simple yet spectacular meal.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this casserole assembles without complicated techniques or expensive components.

Each forkful tells a story of nourishing, unpretentious cooking that connects people around the dinner table.

You’ll want to savor every delicious spoonful of this classic one-pan wonder that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Helpful Tips for a Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Trim Fat Smartly: Drain ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess grease and create a lighter, healthier casserole without losing flavor.
• Potato Perfection: Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Cheese Coating Trick: Shred cheese freshly for better melting and more vibrant flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Vegetable Boost: Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and depth of taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce or cornstarch-thickened broth to accommodate dietary restrictions.

How to Save and Reheat Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to preserve flavor and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerated casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Microwave Reheating: Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese top.
• Freezer Storage: Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best texture and taste.

What Pairs Best with Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Craft Complementary Comfort Sides: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp garden salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Select Perfect Beverage Match: Enjoy a cold amber beer or a full-bodied red wine like Merlot that can stand up to the robust flavors of the hamburger and cheese.
• Add Fresh Vegetable Contrast: Serve steamed green beans or roasted broccoli with a touch of garlic butter to provide a fresh, vibrant side that cuts through the casserole's creamy texture.
• Enhance with Tangy Topping: Dollop some sour cream or homemade ranch dressing on top to add a cool, zesty element that brightens the entire meal.

Ways to Change Up Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace regular ground beef with spicy chorizo, add diced green chiles, swap cream of mushroom soup for salsa verde, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Vegetarian Harvest Blend: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms, use sweet potato slices instead of regular potatoes, incorporate spinach between layers, and sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor.
• Mediterranean Garden Style: Use ground lamb instead of beef, mix in dried oregano and fresh thyme, layer with sliced zucchini, replace cream of mushroom soup with Greek yogurt mixed with herbs, and finish with crumbled feta cheese.
• Smoky Bacon Ranch Edition: Cook crumbled bacon with the ground beef, mix ranch seasoning into the soup mixture, use red potatoes for extra texture, and top with crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions before serving.

FAQs on Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• What makes this hamburger potato casserole different from other casseroles?

This casserole combines simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese into a hearty one-dish meal that’s super easy to prepare. It’s a classic comfort food that brings together all the flavors everyone loves in one satisfying dish.

• Can I use a different type of soup if I don't have cream of mushroom?

Absolutely! Cream of chicken or cream of celery work great as substitutes. The key is to maintain that creamy texture that helps bind the casserole together and adds extra flavor to the dish.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids typically love this casserole because it’s cheesy, meaty, and has potatoes – ingredients most children enjoy. It’s a great way to get picky eaters to eat a complete meal with protein and vegetables in one serving.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the refrigerator.

Why Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Is Simple and Satisfying

• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this hearty casserole in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Comfort Food Champion: Layers of creamy potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese create a nostalgic dish that hugs your taste buds and warms your soul with every bite.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and pantry staples, this casserole delivers maximum flavor without breaking the bank.
• One-Dish Kitchen Magic: Minimal prep, easy cleanup, and everything baked together means less work and more enjoyment for home cooks looking for delicious simplicity.

What Goes in Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat that creates the main flavor base, lean beef works best for less grease.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat mixture, fresh yellow onions recommended.

• Potatoes: Starchy foundation of the casserole, russet or Yukon gold potatoes slice easily and hold shape well.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy binding sauce that adds rich flavor, low-sodium version helps control salt.
• Milk: Thins the soup for smoother sauce consistency, whole milk provides better richness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp flavor, sharp or mild based on preference.

• Salt: Enhances overall dish flavor, kosher or sea salt recommended.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground preferred.
• Garlic Powder: Provides background aromatic flavor, ensures even seasoning.
• Paprika: Adds mild warmth and color, sweet or smoked varieties work well.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green finish that adds color and fresh herb note.

Easy Instructions for Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Heat a skillet over medium flame. Crumble beef into the pan and dice onions. Cook together until beef turns brown and onions become translucent. Sprinkle seasonings throughout cooking. Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Whole milk

Whisk soup and milk in a mixing bowl until perfectly blended and smooth. The mixture should look creamy and consistent without any lumps.

Step 3: Layer Delicious Components

• Sliced potatoes
• Prepared beef mixture
• Creamy sauce
• Shredded cheese

• First layer: Half of potato slices
• Second layer: Half of seasoned beef
• Third layer: Half of creamy sauce
• Fourth layer: Half of cheese

Repeat entire layering process one more time, creating beautiful, delicious strata.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil. Place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove foil. Continue baking for another 15 minutes until potatoes become tender and cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove from oven. Let casserole rest for a few minutes. Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for extra color and flavor. Serve hot and watch everyone’s faces light up with excitement.

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger potato casserole delivers comfort straight from midwest kitchens with layered ground beef, crispy potatoes, and creamy cheese. Hungry families will devour this simple, satisfying dish that brings warmth and classic American flavors to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables and Dairy:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cups potatoes, thinly sliced (about 3 medium potatoes)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), ensuring an ideal cooking environment for this hearty dish.
2. In a sizzling skillet, transform the ground beef and diced onions into a flavorful base. Brown the meat thoroughly, allowing the onions to soften and release their aromatic essence. Infuse the mixture with a symphony of seasonings – salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika – then carefully drain away any excess fat.
3. Craft a silky sauce by whisking the cream of mushroom soup and milk until they merge into a smooth, creamy consistency that will bind the casserole’s layers.
4. Lovingly prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light coating of grease. Construct the casserole in strategic layers: first, a foundation of potato slices, followed by a generous spread of the seasoned beef mixture. Cascade the soup mixture over the meat, then create a blanket of cheese. Repeat these layers, building a delectable tower of flavors.
5. Shield the casserole with a protective foil cover and slide into the preheated oven. Allow it to bake for 45 minutes, transforming the ingredients into a harmonious blend. Then, unveil the dish, letting the cheese bubble and brown for an additional 15 minutes until the potatoes reach tender perfection.
6. As a final flourish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top, adding a vibrant touch of color and freshness. Serve this comforting masterpiece while it’s steaming hot, inviting everyone to savor the layers of flavor.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Swap russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutrient-dense alternative that adds a subtle sweetness.
• Consider adding chopped bell peppers or spinach to boost vegetable content and enhance nutritional value.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredient labels carefully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg