A comforting, family-friendly dish that’s as delicious as it is simple to make, this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. Packed with layers of ground beef, potatoes, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Follow along with this step-by-step guide to create the perfect hamburger potato casserole. Be sure to read through the entire article to get all the best tips, variations, and serving ideas!
What is Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty, baked dish made with ground beef (commonly referred to as "hamburger"), thinly sliced or cubed potatoes, and often a creamy or cheesy sauce that ties everything together. It’s a complete meal in one pan, and the best part is, it's highly adaptable to suit various taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or preparing meals for the week, this casserole is an easy go-to option that delivers on both flavor and convenience.
Ingredients List for Hamburger Potato Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple and tasty casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef (you can use lean or regular)
- 5-6 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon gold or russet work best)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer sauce)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds great flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a bit of extra warmth)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the beef)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Ingredients List for the Optional Additions
Want to get creative or add more veggies? Here are some extras you can include to enhance your hamburger potato casserole:
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, or corn)
- ½ cup sour cream (for an extra creamy texture)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for added depth of flavor)
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (for a smoky, savory twist)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a little kick)
Substitutions and Variations
This casserole is extremely flexible, so don’t hesitate to make substitutions based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Protein Substitutes: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work best, but you can use sweet potatoes for a twist on flavor and nutrition.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Not a fan of cream of mushroom? Swap it out for cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even make your own homemade sauce with heavy cream and flour.
- Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can substitute it with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Low-Carb Option: For a lower-carb version, you can swap the potatoes with thinly sliced zucchini or cauliflower.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create your own hamburger potato casserole.
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little butter. - Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until it's browned and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside. - Sauté the Onion:
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion in the leftover beef drippings (or add a little more olive oil if needed) until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. If you’re using optional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, sauté them along with the onions. - Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash and peel the potatoes, then thinly slice them into rounds about ¼-inch thick. Alternatively, you can cube the potatoes for a chunkier texture. - Assemble the Casserole:
In the prepared casserole dish, begin by layering half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Season the potato layer with a pinch of salt and pepper. Next, spread half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture on top. Then, pour half of the cream of mushroom soup and half the milk over the top. Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheese over the layer. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, soup, and cheese. - Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. After 60 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly. - Rest and Garnish:
Once the casserole is done, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle and makes slicing easier. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
How to Cook Hamburger Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven and prepare your casserole dish.
- Cook the ground beef with seasonings.
- Sauté onions and optional vegetables.
- Slice or cube the potatoes.
- Layer potatoes, beef, sauce, and cheese in the dish.
- Cover and bake for 60 minutes, then bake uncovered to finish.
- Let rest and garnish before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Pre-Cooking the Beef: Always brown the ground beef before adding it to the casserole. If you add raw beef, it might not cook evenly and can release excess grease into your dish.
- Slicing Potatoes Too Thick: If your potato slices are too thick, they may not cook through properly. Aim for ¼-inch slices to ensure they cook evenly.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Potatoes can be bland if not properly seasoned. Make sure to add salt, pepper, and other seasonings between layers for optimal flavor.
- Overcooking or Undercooking: Watch your baking time. If the potatoes aren’t tender after the specified time, bake a bit longer. Alternatively, check your casserole early to prevent over-baking if your oven runs hot.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Hamburger Potato Casserole is hearty and filling, but adding some sides or thoughtful presentation can take it to the next level.
How to Serve Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Family Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish at the dinner table for a cozy, communal meal.
- Individual Portions: Use a spatula to slice the casserole into squares and serve each person a neat portion. This is especially helpful if you're serving guests or want to plate it beautifully.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or green onions on top before serving adds color and freshness.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich casserole nicely.
- Bread or Rolls: A warm crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can assemble this casserole the night before and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! Simply let it cool completely, then cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
- Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes add a unique flavor and extra nutrients to the casserole. Just slice them thinly as you would with regular potatoes.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing, and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?
The potatoes should be fork-tender when done. If you’re unsure, you can insert a knife into the center of the casserole to check for doneness.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to make the casserole even heartier.
Conclusion
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a classic, comfort food recipe that’s both filling and delicious. Its versatility means you can adjust it to your liking, making it a family favorite for years to come. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or preparing it in advance for a busy week, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Give this recipe a try and see how it becomes a go-to meal in your kitchen!
PrintEasy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe is a comforting meal packed with flavorful layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese. Perfect for a weeknight family dinner, this dish is simple to prepare and is sure to please everyone at the table. With just a few ingredients, you can make a filling, tasty casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Layer sliced potatoes in a greased casserole dish.
- Spread the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and milk, then pour over the beef and potatoes.
- Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different flavor.
- Add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710gm
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