Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Savory Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe: Comfort on a Plate

Crafting a hearty hamburger potato casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of savory ground beef mingle with creamy potatoes and melted cheese.

Weeknight meals demand something quick and satisfying that everyone will devour.

You often seek recipes combining protein and vegetables in one delicious dish.

Minimal prep work means you can have this casserole ready faster than ordering takeout.

Cheese lovers and meat enthusiasts will appreciate the rich, filling combination of ingredients.

Grab a fork and prepare for a seriously delicious meal that satisfies every craving.

What to Serve with Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Pair with Refreshing Salad: Create a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber to balance the rich, hearty casserole.
  • Complement with Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot to enhance the beef's savory flavors and cut through the creamy texture.
  • Match with Tangy Pickles: Serve dill pickle spears on the side to provide a zesty, acidic contrast to the creamy potato and beef dish.
  • Serve with Light Beer: Select a cold lager or pale ale to cleanse the palate and refresh the taste buds between bites of the dense casserole.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Flavor Twists

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that keeps the hearty casserole feel while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils to create a meatless version that maintains the casserole's rich, satisfying texture.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive dietary needs without compromising flavor.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Add diced bell peppers, swap Cheddar for feta cheese, and incorporate dried oregano for a Greek-style transformation of the classic comfort dish.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Just slice them thinly and evenly for consistent cooking.

  • Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the layers in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

  • Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup work great as alternatives. They’ll provide similar creamy texture and flavor.

  • How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes are done when they’re tender when pierced with a fork and have a soft, easily mashable texture. The edges might look slightly golden and crispy.

Why Hamburger Potato Casserole Feels Like Home

  • One-Dish Dish: Eliminate multiple pots and pans with this streamlined recipe that combines protein, vegetables, and cheese in a single baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with crowd-pleasing ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese, this casserole guarantees smiles around the dinner table and appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this comforting casserole adapts easily to different occasions and serves as a reliable go-to recipe.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Ingredient Lineup

Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Tasty ground meat that forms the hearty base of the casserole.
Dairy:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds rich flavor.
  • Milk: Creamy liquid that helps bind the soup mixture.
Vegetables and Soup:
  • Potatoes: Sliced starchy vegetable that creates layers in the casserole.
  • Onion: Chopped for added depth of flavor.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy condensed soup that provides moisture and richness.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

Making Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

This warm temperature will help create a perfectly cooked casserole.

Step 2: Sizzle The Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s beautifully crumbly.

Cook for about 5-7 minutes, making sure to drain off any excess grease.

Set the beef aside.

Step 3: Whip Up The Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, blend together:
  • Condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • Milk
  • Chopped onion
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Mix these ingredients until they form a smooth, delicious mixture.

Step 4: Build Your Casserole Layers

In a 2-quart baking dish, start creating delicious layers:
  • Thinly sliced potatoes
  • Soup mixture
  • Browned ground beef

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all your ingredients.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the potatoes become wonderfully tender.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Cheddar cheese over the top.

Return to the oven and bake until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Slice, serve, and savor your delicious hamburger potato casserole!

Best Tips for Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes uniformly, ensuring even cooking and perfect texture throughout the casserole.
  • Remove all excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a cleaner, more appetizing flavor profile.
  • Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold, which hold their shape and absorb flavors beautifully during long baking times.
  • Watch cheese carefully during final baking stage to achieve a golden, bubbly top without burning or overcooking.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary, or add garlic powder to enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

Reheating and Saving Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through, preserving moisture and flavor.
  • For quick reheating, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warmth.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

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

Description

Hearty hamburger potato casserole marries ground beef’s richness with creamy potato layers, creating a comforting midwest classic. Cheese-topped and baked to golden perfection, you’ll savor each satisfying forkful of this homestyle dinner favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Vegetable Components:

  • 3 cups (720 milliliters) peeled and thinly sliced potatoes
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chopped onion

Dairy and Seasoning Components:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) milk
  • Salt to taste
  • Ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the casserole.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and thoroughly cook the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.
  3. Drain excess fat from the beef, ensuring a leaner dish with concentrated meat flavor.
  4. Whisk together condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, chopped onions, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl to create a creamy binding sauce.
  5. Select a 2-quart baking dish and construct strategic layers: begin with a thin potato slice foundation, followed by a generous spread of soup mixture, then evenly distribute the seasoned beef.
  6. Repeat layering process, ensuring each ingredient is distributed evenly for consistent taste and texture throughout the casserole.
  7. Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven and allow it to bake for approximately 1 to 1½ hours, monitoring potato tenderness.
  8. During the final moments of baking, sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese across the surface, returning to the oven briefly until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling blanket.
  9. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly set before serving.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of the casserole.
  • Thinly slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles and added complexity.
  • Consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and depth of taste, making the casserole more colorful and exciting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star