Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Cozy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite Comfort

Comfort food takes center stage with this hearty hamburger potato casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of golden potatoes and seasoned ground beef create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Home cooks love this simple one-dish meal that comes together with minimal effort.

Tender potatoes absorb the rich, savory juices from perfectly seasoned meat, creating a delightful texture in every bite.

The casserole delivers a classic combination that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Cheese melts beautifully across the top, adding a creamy finish that makes this dish irresistible.

Serve this crowd-pleasing casserole and watch hungry faces light up with anticipation.

Hamburger Potato Casserole: Comfort in Every Bite

  • Dive into a hearty casserole that wraps you in warmth and satisfies deep hunger with its rich, creamy layers of beef, potatoes, and melted cheese.
  • Whip up this crowd-pleaser with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Create a filling, nutritious meal that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming ordinary ingredients into a delicious one-dish wonder that brings everyone together at the table.
  • Enjoy a cost-effective recipe using affordable staples like ground beef, potatoes, and pantry basics that stretch your grocery budget without compromising on taste.

Hamburger Potato Casserole: What You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
  • Potatoes: Sliced potatoes form the classic base of this comforting casserole.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, sharp flavor and creates a golden melted topping.
Soup and Dairy Base:
  • Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy and flavorful binding sauce for the casserole.
  • Milk, Sour Cream: Enhance the soup mixture's richness and provide a smooth texture.
Seasoning and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: These seasonings add depth, warmth, and complexity to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Additional Components:
  • Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the casserole during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Kitchen Essentials for Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • 9×13 inch baking dish: Essential for layering and baking the casserole.
  • Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and onions.
  • Small bowl: Needed for mixing soup, milk, and seasonings.
  • Aluminum foil: Covers the dish during initial baking.
  • Cheese grater: Optional for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps mix ingredients and transfer layers.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.

Simple Steps for a Cozy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Brown Meaty Base

Grab a skillet and sizzle ground beef with chopped onions over medium heat.

Cook until beef transforms into a delicious golden brown and onions become soft and translucent.

Carefully drain away any extra grease to keep your dish light and delectable.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

Whisk together in a mixing bowl:
  • Condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • Milk
  • Sour cream
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika

Blend until smooth and velvety, creating a rich sauce that will make your casserole irresistible.

Step 3: Build Delicious Layers

Select a 9×13 inch baking dish and generously grease the bottom.

Start layering your ingredients:
  • Sliced potatoes (first layer)
  • Browned beef and onion mixture
  • Creamy sauce
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Repeat these layers one more time, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil.

Slide into a preheated oven at 350F (175C).

Bake for 1 hour, then remove foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes.

Watch for potatoes becoming tender and the top turning a beautiful golden brown.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven.

This helps set the layers and makes serving easier.

Slice into hearty portions and enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for Hearty, Satisfying Potato Casserole

  • Pat ground beef dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy texture and preventing a watery casserole.
  • Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes into uniform thin slices, promoting consistent cooking and better presentation.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or gruyère to add unique depth and complexity to the dish.
  • Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the casserole's hearty essence.
  • Don't be shy with seasonings; adjust salt, pepper, and garlic powder to match your taste preferences for a more personalized meal.

Hamburger Casserole: Tasty Variations for Every Mood

  • Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter dish.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Serving Hamburger Potato Casserole to Please a Crowd

  • Hearty Family Feast: Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy dish.
  • Comfort Side Kick: Pair with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli to add a fresh vegetable element and boost nutritional value.
  • Bread Buddy: Complement the meal with warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce.
  • Brunch Bonus: Transform leftovers into a delightful breakfast by topping with a fried egg and fresh chopped chives for extra flavor.

How to Store Hamburger Potato Casserole the Right Way

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
  • Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated completely through, checking internal temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of potatoes for this casserole?

Yes, you can use russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes. Just make sure to slice them evenly for consistent cooking.

  • Is it okay to substitute the ground beef with another meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken work great as alternatives. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding to the casserole.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

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

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduced-fat sour cream, and low-fat cheese to cut down on calories and fat content.

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Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger potato casserole blends ground beef, potatoes, and creamy cheese into a comforting midwestern classic. Layers of savory ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying meal for hungry families craving home-style comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables and Produce:

  • 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onions, breaking the meat into small crumbles until no pink remains. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
  3. Whisk together condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and seasonings in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
  4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  5. Create the first layer by evenly spreading half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom of the dish, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture over the potato layer, creating an even distribution.
  7. Pour half of the creamy soup mixture across the beef layer, allowing it to seep between the ingredients.
  8. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the first layer to add richness and flavor.
  9. Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese, creating a second identical layer.
  10. Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and prevent excessive browning.
  11. Bake for 1 hour, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and the top achieves a golden-brown color.
  12. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and cool slightly.

Notes

  • Customize Meat Choice swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the casserole.
  • Reduce Sodium opt for low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat cheese to make the dish heart-healthier.
  • Boost Nutrition add diced bell peppers or spinach between layers for extra vegetables and vitamins.
  • Crispy Topping sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top during the last 15 minutes of baking for a delightful crunchy texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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