Savory Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Whipping up a hearty hamburger potato casserole brings comfort to your dinner table like nothing else.

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

Families have cherished these warm, filling meals for generations.

Crispy edges and tender centers create a perfect balance of textures that make mouths water.

Weeknight dinners rarely get more satisfying than this simple yet delicious combination.

Cheese melts beautifully across the top, adding a golden, irresistible finish.

You’ll want to serve this straight from the oven, while the aroma fills your kitchen with pure happiness.

Creative Takes on Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat substitute, using mushroom or lentil alternatives for protein.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets, maintain original seasoning and cheese layers for a keto-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, keep original recipe structure.
• Dairy-Free Hearty Bake: Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, use plant-based milk instead of regular milk for lactose-intolerant individuals.

How to Serve Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Hearty Family Feast: Pair this comforting casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add some fresh crunch.
• Rustic Side Kick: Serve alongside tangy pickles or coleslaw to cut through the casserole's richness and provide a zesty contrast.
• Weekend Comfort Meal: Complement the dish with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complete the satisfying meal.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir to enhance the beef's robust flavor and complement the casserole's hearty profile.

Keep Hamburger Potato Casserole Fresh Longer

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacteria growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

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.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the cream of mushroom soup typically contains gluten. Look for gluten-free soup alternatives if needed.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

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

The potatoes are done when they’re tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese is golden and bubbly on top.

Why Hamburger Potato Casserole is a Crowd-Pleaser

• Whip Up a Hearty Comfort Meal: This hamburger potato casserole delivers pure comfort food magic with its rich, layered ingredients that bring warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-dish preparation means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, perfect for busy families seeking a delicious meal without complicated steps.
• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Dinner: Packed with protein, cheese, and potatoes, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family-friendly option that satisfies different taste preferences.
• Maximize Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Utilizing affordable staples like ground beef, potatoes, and canned soup, this casserole provides a filling meal without breaking the bank.

Must-Have Ingredients for Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Potatoes: Sliced potatoes create a comforting base layer with a soft and satisfying texture.
• Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty topping that brings the entire dish together with a delicious golden finish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: These ingredients help create a creamy, moist foundation that ensures the casserole stays tender and well-seasoned.

• Onion, Salt, Pepper: Chopped onions provide a savory depth of flavor, while salt and pepper enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

How to Make a Classic Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for a delicious comfort food adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef and Onions

Heat a skillet over medium flame and transform the ground beef into a golden-brown masterpiece.

Toss in the chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Create the First Potato Layer

Grab your baking dish and spread out a beautiful base of sliced potatoes, creating the foundation for this hearty casserole.

Step 4: Add the Meaty First Layer

Generously distribute the sizzling beef and onion mixture over the potato landscape, ensuring an even coverage.

Step 5: Spread the Creamy Goodness

Dollop and spread half of the cream of mushroom soup across the beef layer, creating a rich and velvety surface.

Step 6: Sprinkle the Cheesy Magic

Shower the layer with a delightful snowfall of shredded cheese, adding a tantalizing hint of what’s to come.

Step 7: Repeat the Delicious Layers

• Remaining potato slices
• Rest of the beef mixture
• Remaining cream of mushroom soup
• Final cheese sprinkle

Step 8: Pour the Silky Milk

Gently cascade milk over the entire casserole, ensuring it seeps into every delectable layer.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

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

Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the potatoes turn tender.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your mouthwatering creation, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve this comforting masterpiece.

Expert Tips for Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes uniformly, ensuring consistent cooking and a beautiful layered presentation.
• Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent a soggy casserole and maintain a rich, concentrated flavor.
• Opt for 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef to reduce excess fat while keeping the dish moist and delicious.
• Sprinkle garlic powder, dried herbs, or paprika between layers to enhance the overall taste and depth of the casserole.
• Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 5-10 minutes before layering to prevent discoloration and remove excess starch.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger potato casserole brings comfort to dinner tables with classic midwestern flavors. Layers of ground beef, potatoes, and creamy sauce create a satisfying meal families will devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 4 potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, chopped

Dairy and Other Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly inspect ground beef and slice potatoes into uniform, thin rounds for even cooking.
2. In a skillet heated to medium, brown the ground beef until no pink remains, then incorporate diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Create the first foundation layer in a greased baking dish by arranging half of the potato slices in a consistent, overlapping pattern.
4. Distribute the initial portion of seasoned ground beef mixture evenly across the potato base, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Gently spread half of the cream of mushroom soup over the meat layer, using a spatula to create a smooth, consistent coating.
6. Sprinkle the first portion of shredded cheese across the soup layer, promoting even melting and flavor distribution.
7. Replicate the layering process with remaining potato slices, ground beef, soup, and cheese, creating a symmetrical casserole structure.
8. Delicately pour milk across the entire casserole, allowing it to seep between layers and enhance moisture.
9. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, maintaining consistent heat and preventing excessive browning.
10. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until cheese turns golden, bubbly, and potatoes reach perfect tenderness.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter, healthier dish without compromising flavor.
• Consider swapping cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher, less processed alternative that controls sodium and preservative levels.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or pepper jack to add unexpected flavor complexity and personalize the casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg