Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, delivering a delicious and satisfying meal for the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, budget-friendly ingredients
- Easy to prepare and great for meal prep
- A satisfying comfort food classic
- Versatile—customize with different cheeses, vegetables, and seasonings
- Freezer-friendly for convenient make-ahead meals
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- Milk
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- Salt and pepper
- Butter
- Optional seasonings: paprika, thyme, parsley
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic in butter until softened.
- Thinly slice the potatoes and layer half of them in the baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes and beef.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, add cheese on top, and bake for another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Layer in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Use Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for gouda, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
- Make It Spicy: Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure the soup and seasonings are gluten-free or use a homemade version.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole (baked or unbaked) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
FAQs
How do I prevent the potatoes from being undercooked?
Slice them thinly and ensure they are evenly layered for consistent cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their texture and flavor.
Can I use fresh cream instead of canned soup?
Yes, you can make a homemade creamy sauce using butter, flour, and milk.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use lean ground beef or turkey, reduce cheese, and add more vegetables.
Should I peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional, but leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or crusty bread.
Can I use pre-cooked potatoes?
Yes, but reduce the baking time since they are already softened.
How do I keep the cheese from burning?
Cover with foil for most of the baking time, removing it at the end for browning.
Can I use a slow cooker instead?
Yes, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Conclusion
Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that brings comfort and flavor to your table. With its simple ingredients and versatile variations, this dish is a family favorite that can be enjoyed any night of the week. Whether you’re preparing it fresh or making it ahead, it’s sure to be a hit!
Print
Hamburger and Potato Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty casserole layers seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a perfect comfort food that’s both filling and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Optional: 1 cup frozen corn or peas
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent. Drain excess fat.
-
Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
-
Assemble Casserole:
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- If using, sprinkle half of the frozen corn or peas over the beef.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the layers.
- Sprinkle ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, vegetables, soup mixture, and another ¾ cup of cheese.
-
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider seasoning the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce or adding chopped bell peppers.
- Ensure potatoes are sliced evenly to promote uniform cooking.
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