Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

The Best Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Tucking into a hearty hamburger potato casserole always brings comfort during chilly evenings.

Layers of ground beef and tender potatoes create a magical one-dish wonder.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying meals that everyone will devour.

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this classic combination of ingredients.

Home cooks appreciate recipes that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein, this casserole becomes an instant family favorite.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future quick and delicious meals.

Flavor Variations for Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Southwestern Spice Splash: Add diced green chiles, taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
  • Veggie Power Boost: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, mix in chopped bell peppers, and use low-fat cream of mushroom soup for a healthier option.
  • Bacon Lover's Dream: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits between layers, use sharp cheddar cheese, and add a dash of smoked paprika for extra richness.
  • Mediterranean Mix: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, add dried oregano, mix in some spinach, and use roasted garlic cream soup for a Mediterranean flair.

Serving Ideas for Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Crisp Garden Salad: Toss fresh mixed greens with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness. The fresh crunch contrasts perfectly with the warm, hearty dish.
  • Tangy Coleslaw Side: Prepare a zesty coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing. Its cool, crisp texture complements the casserole's warm, cheesy layers.
  • Roasted Green Vegetables: Quickly roast broccoli or green beans with garlic and olive oil. These simple, nutritious veggies add color and nutrition to the plate, cutting through the casserole's dense flavors.

Storing Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Correctly

  • Store leftover casserole in an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the taste.
  • Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Warm individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

FAQs

  • What kind of ground beef works best for this casserole?

Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) is ideal because it provides good flavor without excessive grease, ensuring the casserole doesn’t become too oily.

  • Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

Fresh sliced potatoes are recommended, but if using frozen, thaw and pat them dry completely to prevent excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, the casserole reheats well and can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble it, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

  • How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms during the beef browning stage to increase vegetable content and boost nutritional value.

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole – Reasons to Try It

  • Savor Comfort Food Fusion: Transform classic sloppy joes into a mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwich that combines two beloved comfort foods in one incredible meal.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Prepare this delightful recipe in minutes with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Kid-Approved Crowd Pleaser: Children and adults alike will love the cheesy, messy goodness of this upgraded sandwich that turns mealtime into a fun and delicious experience everyone can enjoy together.
  • Customize Your Creation: Experiment with different cheese varieties, add extra toppings like pickles or jalapeños, or swap ground beef for turkey to make this recipe uniquely yours.

Ingredients Needed for Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
  • Potatoes: Sliced potatoes create a comforting base and add filling texture to the dish.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy sauce that binds the ingredients and adds depth of flavor.
  • Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, gooey topping that enhances the overall taste.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the ground beef mixture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
For the Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy sauce when mixed with the soup.
  • Aluminum Foil: Covers the casserole during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How to Prepare Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Turn your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a comforting meal.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

Grab a skillet and cook ground beef with diced onions over medium heat.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light and delicious.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Whole milk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Optional herbs or spices like dried thyme or garlic powder

Step 4: Create the First Layer

Spread a generous layer of thinly sliced potatoes across a greased baking dish.

Top with:
  • Half of the browned beef mixture
  • Half of the shredded cheese

Step 5: Build the Second Layer

Repeat the layering process with the remaining:
  • Potato slices
  • Beef
  • Cheese

Step 6: Pour on the Sauce

Gently drizzle the creamy soup mixture evenly across the entire casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.

Then remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes to settle and cool slightly before serving up this hearty comfort food.

Tips for Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version of the casserole.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles.
  • Thinly slice potatoes for faster cooking and more even texture throughout the dish.
  • Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
  • Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to control salt intake and create a more balanced meal.
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Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger potato casserole blends classic American comfort ingredients into a satisfying one-dish meal. Savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese create a perfect dinner solution you will crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup milk (240 ml)
  • 45 medium potatoes, sliced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef with diced onions over medium heat, breaking meat into small crumbles until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease completely.
  3. Whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk, creating a smooth sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs for enhanced flavor profile.
  4. Create the first foundation layer by arranging half of the thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
  5. Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture uniformly over the potato layer, followed by sprinkling half of the shredded cheese.
  6. Repeat the layering process: remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese to build a hearty casserole structure.
  7. Carefully pour the prepared soup mixture evenly across the entire casserole, allowing it to seep between layers.
  8. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and prevent excessive browning.
  9. Bake for 1 hour, then remove foil and continue baking 15-20 minutes until cheese turns golden and edges become crispy.
  10. Allow casserole to rest 5-7 minutes before serving, which helps set the layers and intensify flavors.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the casserole.
  • Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for added nutrients and a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Substitute cream of mushroom soup with a homemade cream sauce or low-sodium alternative for those watching sodium intake.
  • Consider adding diced bell peppers or spinach to increase vegetable content and boost nutritional value.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 490 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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