Hamburger and potato casserole is a comforting, hearty dish made with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy sauce. This budget-friendly meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find
- A filling and satisfying meal for the whole family
- Great for meal prep and reheating leftovers
- Customizable with different seasonings and add-ins
- A comforting, homemade dish that brings warmth to any table
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Milk
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite variety)
- Salt and pepper
- Butter
- Optional seasonings (paprika, thyme, or Italian seasoning)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, adding diced onions and garlic. Drain excess fat.
- Slice the potatoes into thin rounds.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk to create a creamy sauce.
- Layer half of the potatoes in the greased baking dish, followed by half of the cooked beef. Season with salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the layers, then repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 1 hour.
- Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Add vegetables: Mix in corn, peas, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Switch up the cheese: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for a different taste.
- Use a different soup base: Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cheddar cheese soup.
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Use ground turkey or chicken: A lighter alternative to beef.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cream soup or make a homemade version with cornstarch as a thickener.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, frozen hash browns or sliced potatoes work well. No need to thaw before baking.
What kind of potatoes are best for this casserole?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are best because they hold their shape and have a creamy texture when baked.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I prevent the potatoes from being undercooked?
Slice them thinly and ensure they are fully covered with the sauce so they cook evenly.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
Yes, sauté fresh mushrooms in butter and mix with a homemade creamy sauce.
What can I serve with hamburger and potato casserole?
Pair it with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or dinner rolls for a complete meal.
Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Yes, cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
How do I make this dish lower in fat?
Use lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and a lighter soup alternative.
Why is my casserole watery?
This can happen if the potatoes release too much moisture. Try draining excess liquid from the beef and using a thicker sauce.
Conclusion
Hamburger and potato casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a satisfying and versatile choice. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy this classic casserole!
Print
Hamburger and Potato Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, all baked together in a creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for family dinners and is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat.
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Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
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Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom, followed by half of the ground beef mixture. Pour half of the soup mixture over these layers. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture.
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Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
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Add Cheese: After 1 hour, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Once done, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting Hamburger and Potato Casserole!
Notes
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For added flavor, consider mixing in vegetables like corn or green beans between the layers.
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If you prefer a crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the cheese before the final baking period.
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