Are you looking for a delicious, hearty meal that is both easy to make and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd? Look no further! This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comfort food classic that combines juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese, all baked to perfection. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply craving something warm and filling, this recipe will be a hit with everyone. Keep reading to learn all the details, from the ingredients to serving tips, and make sure you don’t miss out on the step-by-step instructions!
What is Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Hamburger Potato Casserole is a layered dish made with ground beef, sliced potatoes, and a variety of seasonings and cheeses. It's an incredibly versatile meal that allows you to customize it according to your taste or what you have on hand. The combination of savory hamburger, soft potatoes, and creamy sauce creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that's perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend feast. It's a one-pan meal, making it easy to cook and clean up.
Ingredients List for Hamburger Potato Casserole
Before you get started, here’s a list of ingredients you will need for this classic casserole. The following items are simple pantry staples, so you might already have most of them:
- 1 lb ground beef (you can use lean ground beef or even substitute with ground turkey for a healthier option)
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese blend)
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup (you can substitute with cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or your favorite herbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil)
- Optional garnish: Chopped parsley or green onions
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to mix things up or cater to specific dietary needs, here are some great substitutions and variations for this Hamburger Potato Casserole:
- Meat Substitutes: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
- Potato Options: While russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are traditional, you can try sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor, or even use frozen hash browns to cut down on prep time.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to use whatever cheese you prefer. Cheddar works great, but Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese can add unique flavors.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Consider adding vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas to incorporate more nutrients and textures into the casserole.
- Sauce Options: Instead of cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken, celery, or even make a homemade béchamel sauce if you prefer a fresh option.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to put everything together. Follow these steps to create a delicious and comforting Hamburger Potato Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, you can start preparing the casserole layers.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and brown the ground beef until it's fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.
- Add onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the cooked beef and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
- Prepare the potatoes: While the beef is cooking, peel and slice the potatoes thinly. Aim for even slices so they cook evenly.
- Assemble the casserole: In a large casserole dish (9x13 inch), start by layering half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Add half of the cooked beef mixture on top, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Add the soup mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with 1 cup of milk, stirring until smooth. Pour half of this mixture over the beef and potatoes.
- Repeat the layers: Add another layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining beef, another cup of shredded cheese, and then the remaining soup mixture.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
- Let it rest: Once the casserole is done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut into neat slices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercooking the potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are sliced evenly and thinly enough to cook through in the baking time. If they are too thick, they may remain undercooked.
- Skipping seasoning: Be sure to season each layer adequately, especially the potatoes. Potatoes absorb a lot of flavors, so don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt and pepper.
- Overcrowding the dish: If you have too many layers or fill the casserole dish too high, it can take much longer to cook, and the ingredients may not cook evenly.
- Using too much cheese: While cheese adds great flavor, using too much can make the casserole overly greasy. Stick to the recommended amount unless you're a big cheese lover!
Serving and Presentation Tips
When your casserole is ready to be served, you want it to look as appetizing as it tastes. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting your dish:
- Serve hot: Casseroles are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven, but make sure to let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Top with fresh herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Side dishes: Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
How to Serve Hamburger Potato Casserole
To serve, cut the casserole into even squares and use a spatula to lift each portion out of the dish. Be sure to scoop up a mix of the tender potatoes, juicy beef, and cheesy layers in each serving. You can serve it directly from the casserole dish to maintain its warmth, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as a light garden salad or steamed broccoli.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Potato Casserole
For an appealing presentation, try some of the following tips:
- Individual portions: Use ramekins to bake individual portions of the casserole, which can give a more elegant and personalized touch.
- Add color: A sprinkle of chopped herbs or a drizzle of sour cream over the top before serving adds both color and a little extra flavor.
- Layer height: Make sure your layers are evenly distributed for a visually appealing slice when served.
Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Use a mandoline slicer to get perfectly even potato slices. This will ensure that all your potatoes cook evenly and absorb the flavors uniformly.
- Try pre-cooking the potatoes: If you’re in a hurry or want to ensure soft potatoes, you can pre-cook the sliced potatoes by boiling them for a few minutes before assembling the casserole.
- Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven and cook as instructed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
While fresh potatoes give the best texture, in a pinch, you can layer instant mashed potatoes in the casserole. However, the consistency will be softer, so it's not an exact substitute for sliced potatoes.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a perfect dish for anyone looking for a filling, comforting meal that requires minimal effort. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and versatile, making it a great addition to your dinner rotation. Don’t forget to try out different variations and add your personal touch to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy!
PrintEasy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
This easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a perfect comfort food recipe made with simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese. A hearty and delicious dish for busy weeknights, this casserole is quick to prepare and full of flavor. Try this recipe for a budget-friendly, filling meal that will please the whole family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Cheddar cheese
- Milk
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic, drain any excess fat.
- In a casserole dish, layer thinly sliced potatoes.
- Add the browned beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk and pour over the casserole.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove foil, bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add seasonings like paprika or Italian herbs.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like green beans or corn for added nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅙ of recipe)
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750 mg
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