Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Cozy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

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

Layers of savory ground beef intermingle with soft potato slices in this classic midwestern dish.

Cheesy goodness melts between each delectable bite, creating a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together with simple ingredients.

Minimal prep work means you can have a delicious dinner ready in under an hour.

Creamy textures and rich flavors make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will request again.

Let’s dive into this irresistible comfort food that promises to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Made Simple

Create a Hearty Family Feast: This casserole brings everyone together with its comforting layers of classic ingredients that everyone loves.

Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Quickly brown beef, layer simple ingredients, and let the oven do the hard work while you relax and enjoy family time.

Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and soup make this dish wallet-friendly without compromising on taste and satisfaction.

Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry group with minimal cooking skills required – guaranteed to satisfy all ages.

Ingredients for Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create a comforting layered foundation for the dish.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy binding agent that adds rich moisture and depth of flavor.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy texture throughout the casserole.
  • Shredded Cheese: A melty topping that adds a golden, crispy finish and extra richness.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the hamburger potato casserole.

How to Make Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

How to Make Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the delicious magic about to happen.

Step 2: Sizzle The Meat

Grab a skillet and cook ground beef with chopped onions until the meat turns a beautiful brown.

Drain away any extra grease for a cleaner, tastier dish.

Step 3: Create First Potato Layer

Grab a greased casserole dish and spread out a generous layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom, creating a delicious foundation.

Step 4: Add First Meat Layer

Sprinkle the browned beef mixture evenly over the potato layer, ensuring a tasty distribution of meaty goodness.

Step 5: Splash First Soup Layer

Pour half of the cream of mushroom soup over the meat, letting it seep into all the delicious crevices.

Step 6: Repeat Layering Magic

Repeat the previous steps with the remaining ingredients:
  • Potato slices
  • Browned beef
  • Cream of mushroom soup

Step 7: Pour Creamy Milk

Gently pour milk across the entire casserole, helping everything blend together beautifully.

Step 8: Bake And Cover

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for about 1 hour until the potatoes become wonderfully tender.

Step 9: Cheese It Up

Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, and return to the oven.

Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Step 10: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve up this comforting, hearty meal that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Pro Tips for Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Remove as much grease as possible to prevent a soggy casserole and keep the dish lighter.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for better texture and easier slicing.
  • Add garlic powder, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef for more depth and complexity.
  • Let cheese sit at room temperature before sprinkling to ensure smooth, even melting across the casserole.
  • Swap potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a keto-friendly version that maintains the comforting casserole feel.

Variations on Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternative, using vegetable broth instead of milk for added flavor.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets, use heavy cream instead of milk, and add extra cheese for richness.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, maintaining the original recipe's texture and taste.
  • Southwestern Style: Add diced green chilies, swap regular cheese for pepper jack, and mix in some taco seasoning with the meat for a spicy kick.

Serving Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans to boost the nutritional value and add some vibrant color to your plate.
  • Bread Buddy Boost: Serve with warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complete the meal.
  • Weekend Family Feast: Perfect for Sunday dinners, this casserole brings everyone together with its nostalgic, home-cooked goodness and satisfying layers of flavor.

Storing Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
  • Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze before adding cheese topping.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats well and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals for the week.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduced-fat cheese, and consider adding more vegetables like carrots or peas to boost nutritional value.

  • What side dishes work best with this casserole?

Green salad, steamed vegetables, or a simple coleslaw complement this hearty casserole and provide a fresh contrast to the rich, comforting main dish.

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Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger potato casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to family dinner tables with its rich layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese sauce. Homemade warmth fills each bite, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 45 medium potatoes (sliced thin)
  • 1 small onion (chopped)

Dairy and Soup:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup

Seasonings:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature for the casserole.
  2. Sauté ground beef with onions in a skillet, thoroughly draining any accumulated fat to prevent greasiness.
  3. Create the first foundation layer by arranging half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom of a greased casserole dish.
  4. Distribute an even layer of the seasoned browned beef mixture directly over the potato base.
  5. Gently cascade half of the cream of mushroom soup across the beef layer, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  6. Replicate the layering process by positioning the remaining potato slices atop the previous layer.
  7. Spread the remaining beef mixture uniformly over the potato layer.
  8. Pour the remaining cream of mushroom soup, creating a complete and consistent covering.
  9. Drizzle milk evenly across the entire casserole surface to enhance moisture and binding.
  10. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, then bake for 60 minutes, allowing potatoes to become perfectly tender.
  11. Remove foil, generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, and return to oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbling crust.
  12. Allow casserole to rest for several minutes before serving, enabling flavors to settle and improve structural integrity.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and make the dish healthier.
  • Swap cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher, less processed alternative.
  • Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Add extra flavor by incorporating garlic powder, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the beef mixture for depth and complexity.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 510 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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