Hearty Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a hearty hamburger and potato casserole promises a comforting meal that’ll make mouths water instantly.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle with creamy potatoes in this classic dish.

Familiar ingredients blend into something magical on your dinner plate.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with such a straightforward recipe.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor and satisfaction.

Cheese melts perfectly between savory meat and tender potato slices.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing recipe for future family dinners.

Hamburger and Potato Casserole: Cozy Comfort Food

• Savor Quick Family Dinners: Packed with protein and flavor, this Mexican casserole transforms weeknight cooking into a delightful experience for everyone at the table.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: No advanced culinary skills needed – just brown meat, layer ingredients, and bake for a delicious meal that looks like you spent hours preparing.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: Swap ingredients easily to match family preferences or dietary needs, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different taste buds and nutritional requirements.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal Solution: Perfect for potlucks, game nights, or casual gatherings where you want a hearty dish that feeds multiple people without complicated preparation.

Must-Haves for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Onion: Adds a savory depth and aromatic base to the ground beef mixture.

• Potato Slices: The foundation of the casserole that creates a comforting and filling base.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a smooth, creamy binding element for the casserole.
• Milk: Helps thin the soup and creates a silky sauce consistency.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a melty, golden finish with a sharp and tangy flavor.

• Optional Spices: Allow for personal customization and additional flavor complexity.

Hamburger and Potato Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C) to get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

Grab a skillet and toss in ground beef and chopped onions.

Cook over medium heat, stirring and breaking up the meat until it’s beautifully browned. Drain away any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk

Blend until smooth and velvety.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole Base

• First layer: Half of the potato slices
• Second layer: Half of the seasoned beef mixture
• Repeat these layers one more time

Step 5: Season and Sauce

Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly across the top.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional spices (like garlic powder or paprika)

Step 6: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, letting all those flavors mingle and potatoes soften.

Step 7: Cheese Topping Finale

Remove the foil and generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese melts into golden, bubbly perfection.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your comforting meal!

Little Tips for Hamburger and Potato Casserole

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp texture.
• Use russet potatoes for the best slicing and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Add garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor depth without overwhelming the classic comfort food profile.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey and low-fat cream of mushroom soup to reduce calories.
• Fresh shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged varieties, creating a smoother and more appetizing cheese topping.

Customize Hamburger and Potato Casserole Easily

• Tex-Mex Fiesta Casserole: Replace ground beef with seasoned taco meat, add diced green chilies, swap cream of mushroom soup for salsa, and top with pepper jack cheese.
• Bacon Ranch Potato Bake: Incorporate crispy bacon bits into the beef layer, use ranch seasoning mix, replace cream of mushroom soup with ranch dressing, and garnish with chives.
• Mediterranean Lamb Casserole: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb, add oregano and garlic, use Greek yogurt instead of milk, and sprinkle feta cheese on top.
• Vegetarian Harvest Casserole: Replace ground beef with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, use vegetable broth instead of milk, and top with plant-based cheese.

Sharing Hamburger and Potato Casserole

• Rustic Green Salad Companion: Toss fresh mixed greens with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The crisp salad cuts through the casserole's richness, adding refreshing contrast and balanced nutrition.
• Tangy Coleslaw Side: Prepare a zesty coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing. Its crunchy texture and tangy flavor complement the warm, cheesy casserole perfectly.
• Southern-Style Cornbread Pairing: Bake golden buttermilk cornbread muffins with a hint of honey. These slightly sweet, crumbly breads soak up the casserole's savory sauce, creating a delightful flavor combination.

Keep Hamburger and Potato Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the casserole cools completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Divide into individual servings before storing for easier reheating and quick meal prep throughout the week.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking dish?

Lightly grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray before layering the ingredients to prevent sticking.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

You can prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze it before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free to adapt the recipe.

Hamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger and potato casserole brings comfort to family dinner tables with its classic midwest charm. Layers of ground beef, potatoes, and creamy sauce create a satisfying meal that warms hearts and fills hungry bellies.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef
• 2 cups (340 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic powder
• Optional: paprika

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Sauté ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly browning the meat and ensuring no pink remains. Carefully drain accumulated fat.
3. Whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk until creating a smooth, uniform sauce.
4. Create initial potato layer across bottom of baking dish, covering entire surface with thin potato slices.
5. Distribute half the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over potato foundation.
6. Construct second potato layer directly atop meat layer, maintaining consistent coverage.
7. Pour entire soup mixture across top, ensuring complete and uniform distribution.
8. Season generously with salt, pepper, and preferred herbs or spices for enhanced flavor profile.
9. Seal baking dish completely with aluminum foil to trap moisture and prevent excessive drying.
10. Bake covered for precisely 1 hour, allowing ingredients to meld and potatoes to become tender.
11. Remove foil, immediately sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese across casserole surface.
12. Return to oven for additional 15 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops golden bubbling crust.
13. Allow casserole to rest 5-7 minutes before serving, enabling internal temperatures to stabilize and flavors to integrate.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier without compromising flavor.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or low-sodium alternative for a lighter meal option.
• Consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to boost vegetable content and nutritional value.
• For gluten-free adaptation, use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the soup mixture and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg