This hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole combines layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect one-dish meal that checks all the boxes. The layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy mushroom sauce make each bite feel like a warm hug. With a golden, bubbly layer of melted cheddar cheese on top, it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just need an easy dinner, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup chopped onion
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Layer the Ingredients: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the soup mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, and soup mixture.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly to allow the layers to set. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish!
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a spicy twist.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in some grated mozzarella or parmesan with the cheddar for an extra cheesy layer.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the layers for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of mushroom?
Yes! You can use cream of chicken or even cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Fresh potatoes are recommended for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen, be sure to thaw them before layering.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that the other ingredients are gluten-free, this casserole can be gluten-free.
Can I freeze Hamburger Potato Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Bake from frozen for about 75–90 minutes at 350°F.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add peas, carrots, or even green beans for extra color and flavor.
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
Can I use different cheese varieties?
Yes, you can mix and match cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or even Monterey Jack to customize the flavor.
How do I know when the potatoes are cooked?
The potatoes should be fork-tender when done. If they’re not tender after the recommended baking time, give them a few more minutes.
Conclusion
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. With its layers of hearty potatoes, savory beef, and creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted cheddar, it’s an easy, filling, and delicious dish that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can make it your own with different variations and ingredients. Enjoy this warm and satisfying meal any night of the week!
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese come together in one dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it’s simple to make, filling, and irresistibly delicious. Try it with variations like adding extra veggies, using ground turkey, or switching up the cheese for an added twist.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup chopped onion
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion softened. Drain excess grease.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked beef mixture, followed by half of the soup mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can swap the ground beef with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version.
- Add a spicy kick with diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
