Cheesy Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe

Savory Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a hearty hamburger and potato casserole brings comfort directly to your dinner table.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle with tender potato slices in this classic midwestern dish.

Crispy edges promise a satisfying crunch that makes mouths water.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together in one pan.

Melted cheese adds a creamy richness that elevates every single bite.

Simple ingredients and minimal prep time mean you can have a delicious meal ready in less than an hour.

Dig into this crowd-pleasing casserole that guarantees clean plates and happy smiles.

Hamburger And Potato Casserole Highlights

  • Conquer Comfort Food: A hearty, satisfying dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table with layers of rich beef, creamy soup, and melted cheese.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this casserole a stress-free meal that comes together quickly with just a few simple steps.
  • Family-Pleasing Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the classic combination of ground beef, potatoes, and gooey cheese, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies every palate.
  • One-Dish Wonder: Streamline your kitchen cleanup with this all-in-one casserole that combines protein, vegetables, and a creamy sauce in a single baking dish, making mealtime easier and more enjoyable.

Ingredients for Hamburger Potato Casserole

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for this comforting casserole.
Vegetable Components:
  • Onions: Adds a sweet and savory depth of flavor to the beef mixture.
  • Sliced Potatoes: Serves as the primary starch layer, creating a filling and satisfying base for the casserole.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides additional aromatic and savory notes to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Binding and Creamy Elements:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a rich and creamy sauce that helps bind the casserole together.
  • Milk: Helps to thin and smooth out the soup mixture.
Cheese Topping:
  • Cheese: Adds a melty, golden-brown topping that provides extra richness and flavor.
Cooking Preparation:
  • Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and prevent sticking.
  • Foil: Helps to cover and protect the casserole during initial baking.

How to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole

How to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Preheat the oven and get ready for a delicious comfort meal. Set the temperature to 350°F or 175°C for perfect cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Beef Mixture

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add these ingredients and cook until perfectly browned:
  • Onions
  • Ground beef
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent.

Step 3: Create Creamy Soup Base

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Milk

Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Build First Layer

Grease a casserole dish.

Arrange the first layer by:
  • Spreading half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom
  • Adding half of the cooked beef mixture on top of potatoes

Step 5: Add First Cheese Layer

Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the first layer. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on top.

Step 6: Create Second Layer

Repeat the layering process:
  • Remaining potato slices
  • Remaining beef mixture
  • Remaining soup mixture
  • Final cheese layer

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until:
  • Potatoes are tender
  • Cheese is bubbly and golden

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Tips for Perfect Hamburger Casserole

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that keeps the casserole deliciously satisfying.
  • Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for even cooking and a creamy texture that holds up beautifully during baking.
  • Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef mixture for an extra depth of taste.
  • Ensure potatoes cook evenly by slicing them uniformly, about 1/4 inch thick, using a mandoline or sharp knife for consistent results.
  • Make it gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of cream of mushroom soup and checking that all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Creative Twists on Hamburger Casserole

  • Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and add more nutrients.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-style casserole.

Serving Ideas for Hamburger Casserole

  • Comfort Food Classic: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add some freshness to the meal.
  • Brunch Twist: Transform leftovers into a morning-friendly dish by topping with a fried egg and some chopped fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Protein Power-Up: Pair with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli to boost the vegetable content and create a more balanced, nutritious dinner plate.
  • Crowd-Pleaser Approach: Set out optional toppings like chopped green onions, sour cream, or crispy bacon bits so everyone can customize their serving and enjoy the meal their way.

FAQs

  • Are the potatoes precooked before adding to the casserole?

No, the potatoes are sliced raw and layered directly into the casserole dish. They will cook and become tender during the baking process.

  • Can I use a different type of cream soup?

Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if you prefer. The soup helps create a creamy texture and adds flavor to the casserole.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This hamburger and potato casserole reheats well and can be prepared in advance. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.

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Cheesy Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger and potato casserole brings midwestern comfort directly to dinner tables. Layered potatoes, ground beef, and creamy cheese create a satisfying meal families will crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 45 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup

Seasonings and Oil:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.
  2. In a large skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent and softened over medium heat.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook thoroughly until meat is completely browned and no pink remains.
  4. Create a creamy sauce by whisking cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth and well-combined.
  5. Arrange a uniform layer of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the greased casserole dish.
  6. Spread half of the seasoned ground beef evenly over the potato layer.
  7. Drizzle half of the soup mixture across the beef, ensuring even coverage.
  8. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the current layer.
  9. Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese.
  10. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
  11. Bake for 60 minutes in the preheated oven, maintaining consistent temperature.
  12. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until potatoes become tender and cheese turns golden and bubbly.
  13. Allow the casserole to rest and cool for 5-7 minutes before serving to help set the layers.

Notes

  • Customize the spice level by adjusting garlic and onion powder to match your taste preferences.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the casserole.
  • For added nutrition, mix in diced bell peppers or carrots with the beef during cooking to boost vegetable content.
  • Ensure potatoes are sliced uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 505 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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