Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

The Ultimate Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Dinner

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

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic midwestern dish.

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

Weeknight meals demand simple, satisfying solutions that everyone can enjoy.

Home cooks appreciate recipes that come together quickly without complicated techniques.

Crispy edges and a golden top make this casserole irresistible.

You’ll savor every single bite of this nostalgic, filling meal that feels like a warm hug.

What Makes Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole So Filling

  • Create Comfort Quickly: A satisfying one-dish meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy households craving home-style cooking.
  • Transform Simple Ingredients: Transforms basic pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese into a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that feels like a warm culinary hug.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows quick substitutions like ground turkey, different cheese varieties, or adding vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with familiar, kid-approved flavors that please multiple generations, making it an ideal dinner solution for families seeking delicious, stress-free meals.

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Ingredients Guide

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides substantial protein and rich meaty texture to the casserole.
For the Vegetables:
  • Potatoes, Onions: Fresh potatoes create layers of comforting starch while onions add depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.
For the Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: Creamy mixture that helps bind ingredients and creates a smooth, rich sauce throughout the casserole.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the beef and vegetables.
For the Topping:
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty layer of flavor and creates a golden, appetizing surface.
  • Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy, crunchy texture to complement the soft casserole layers.
Additional Components:
  • Aluminum Foil: Used for covering and controlling moisture during the initial baking process.

How To Fix Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle The Beef

Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into tiny crumbly bits until no pink remains. Cook for 7-8 minutes.

Step 3: Season And Saute

Drain extra fat from the beef and toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Cook for another 2-3 minutes until onions turn soft and translucent.

Step 4: Slice Potatoes With Precision

Cut potatoes into thin, uniform rounds to ensure every bite cooks evenly and consistently.

Step 5: Create First Potato Layer

Spread half the potato slices across the bottom of the baking dish, forming a solid base.

Step 6: Beef Distribution

Evenly spread the seasoned ground beef over the potato layer for maximum flavor in every serving.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth and well-blended.

Step 8: Pour The Creamy Goodness

Drench the beef with the soup mixture, making sure it covers everything completely.

Step 9: Final Potato Topping

Layer the remaining potato slices over the soup, creating a complete potato blanket.

Step 10: Cheese Please

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface for a deliciously melty topping.

Step 11: Crispy Breadcrumb Finale

Dust the casserole with breadcrumbs to create a golden, crunchy crust.

Step 12: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and top turns golden brown.

Step 13: Rest And Serve

Pull the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows flavors to mingle and settle before serving up this comfort food masterpiece.

Tips For Making Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Slice Potatoes Precisely: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes uniformly, ensuring even cooking and perfect texture in every bite.
  • Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess fat completely after browning to prevent a greasy casserole and maintain a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
  • Layer Strategically: Create distinct layers by spreading ingredients evenly, allowing each component to shine and blend harmoniously during baking.
  • Add Crispy Topping: Sprinkle extra breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for an irresistible golden-brown crunch that elevates the entire casserole's texture.
  • Swap Ingredients Easily: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version that's equally delicious.

Ways To Customize Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Ground Beef Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils to create a meat-free casserole that provides protein and hearty satisfaction for vegetarian diners.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure condensed soup is certified gluten-free, allowing individuals with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this comforting dish without dietary restrictions.

What Matches Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Well

  • Savor Rich Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the hearty beef and cheese flavors, cutting through the richness with balanced tannins.
  • Enhance Beer Companions: Select amber ales or robust brown ales that match the casserole's savory profile, providing a malty counterpoint to the creamy, meaty dish.
  • Create Fresh Salad Contrast: Prepare a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness, introducing bright acidity and refreshing vegetable notes that cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Boost Side Vegetable Option: Roast green beans or asparagus with garlic and lemon, offering a light, zesty accompaniment that adds nutritional balance and cuts through the dish's rich, creamy texture.

Storing Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole With Care

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
  • Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming and prevent cold spots.

FAQs For Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken works perfectly as substitutes for beef, offering similar texture and flavor profiles.

  • How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

Slice potatoes uniformly thin and approximately the same thickness, around 1/4 inch, to guarantee consistent cooking throughout the casserole.

  • Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months before baking.

  • What can I do if the casserole looks too dry?

If the mixture seems dry during preparation, add a bit more milk to the cream of mushroom soup mixture to maintain moisture and prevent burning.

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Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger potato casserole brings comfort straight from midwestern kitchens to dinner tables across America. Savory layers of ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 medium potatoes
  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Toppings:

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  3. Drain excess fat from the beef and mix in diced onions, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent.
  4. Thinly slice potatoes into uniform rounds, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  5. Layer half of the potato slices across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid foundational base.
  6. Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the potato layer, creating a hearty meat distribution.
  7. In a separate bowl, whisk together condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth and well-combined.
  8. Pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef, ensuring complete coverage and even distribution.
  9. Add the remaining potato slices on top of the soup layer, creating a complete potato coverage.
  10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface for a rich, melty topping.
  11. Dust the casserole with breadcrumbs, which will create a crispy, golden-brown crust during baking.
  12. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown.
  13. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.

Notes

  • Potato Slicing Hack: Use a mandoline slicer for consistently thin, uniform potato rounds that cook evenly and create a perfect layered texture.
  • Fat Reduction Trick: Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to minimize excess grease and create a healthier version of the casserole.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cheese to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms to create a meat-free alternative that maintains the casserole’s hearty essence.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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