Quick & Hearty Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy hamburger potato casserole that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Layers of tender potatoes and seasoned ground beef create a hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Home cooks love how simple ingredients come together in one delicious dish.

The casserole combines classic flavors that remind you of childhood dinners around the table.

Cheese melts beautifully over the top, adding a golden, irresistible crust that makes every bite pure satisfaction.

Families will devour this budget-friendly meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Used In Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: Select lean beef for a rich, meaty foundation with less grease and more robust flavor.
• Onion: Adds sweet aromatic depth and supports the meat's savory profile with subtle texture.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates silky sauce texture that connects ingredients with comforting earthy undertones.
• Milk: Softens soup consistency and enhances overall creaminess of the casserole.

• Potatoes: Choose starchy varieties like Russet for sturdy, even layering and hearty absorption of flavors.
• Cheese: Provides golden melting finish with tangy richness that complements meat and potato base.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Elevate seasonings that build complex, balanced taste profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright garnish that introduces fresh herbal note to rich dish.

Kitchen Gear For Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for layering and baking the casserole evenly.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and sautéing onions.
• Mixing bowl: Needed for combining soup and milk smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure milk and ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grated cheese if not using pre-shredded.
• Foil: Covers casserole during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Sharp knife: Used for slicing potatoes and chopping onions.

Steps To Cook Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Beef Preparation

Ground beef sizzles in a skillet, releasing rich flavors as onions caramelize. Season generously with herbs and spices, creating a savory foundation for the casserole. Cook until meat is perfectly browned and onions turn translucent.

• Creamy Sauce Blend

Whisk together creamy mushroom soup and milk, creating a silky sauce that will bind the layers of the casserole. The mixture should be smooth and inviting, promising a luxurious texture.

• Layering Magic

In a welcoming baking dish, create beautiful layers starting with tender potato slices. Alternate between meat mixture and potatoes, generously sprinkling cheese between each layer. Each layer builds depth and complexity of flavor.

• Oven Transformation

Cover the casserole with foil, allowing magic to happen inside a 350F oven. After initial baking, remove the foil to let cheese become golden and crispy. The aroma will fill your kitchen with comfort and anticipation.

• Serving Delight

Let the casserole rest briefly after emerging from the oven. Slice into generous portions, revealing steaming layers of potato, beef, and melted cheese. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness.

Ways To Customize Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Potato Powerhouse Modifications: Elevate your casserole game with these expert tips and tasty twists!
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that keeps all the delicious flavor without the extra carbs.
• Protein Boost: Mix in diced bell peppers or mushrooms to add extra nutrition and create more complex flavor layers while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
• Cheese Adventure: Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or gruyere to transform the traditional flavor profile and create exciting taste variations.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

How To Serve Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Warm

• Hearty Family Dinner Night: Pair this comforting casserole with a crisp green salad and tangy vinaigrette for a balanced meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Cozy Side Companions: Serve alongside steamed broccoli or roasted green beans to add fresh vegetables and extra nutrition to your plate.
• Rustic Bread Pairing: Complement the casserole with warm, crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and add a delightful crunch.
• Quick Meal Upgrade: Top individual servings with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or chives for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Storage Tips For Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Fridge Fresh Timing: Store leftover casserole in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Smart Reheating Method: Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. For crispy top, use oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap casserole tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Portion Prep Hack: Divide casserole into single-serving containers for quick grab-and-go meals during busy weekdays. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.

Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger potato casserole delivers comfort and nostalgia in one delightful dish. Midwestern home cooks will savor this classic meal that combines ground beef, potatoes, and creamy cheese for a satisfying dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 3 cups (720 ml) potatoes, thinly sliced (about 3 medium potatoes)
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an optimal thermal environment for the casserole’s transformation.
2. Meat Foundation: In a skillet, brown ground beef with onions, developing a rich flavor profile. Incorporate salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then meticulously drain excess fat to ensure a clean, concentrated taste.
3. Sauce Creation: Whisk cream of mushroom soup and milk into a seamless, velvety sauce that will marry the casserole’s components.
4. Layering Technique: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Artfully construct alternating strata of sliced potatoes, seasoned beef, soup mixture, and cheese. Each layer should interlock like a culinary mosaic, building depth and complexity.
5. Baking Process: Cloak the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to caramelize and potatoes to reach peak tenderness. The surface should transform into a golden, bubbling landscape of flavor.
6. Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant burst of color and herbaceous brightness. Serve immediately, inviting diners to dive into this comforting, layered masterpiece.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is browned deeply to develop rich, caramelized flavors and prevent watery texture. Pat meat dry before cooking to achieve better searing and prevent steaming.
• Potato Slice Consistency: Cut potato slices uniformly (about 1/4 inch thick) to guarantee even cooking and prevent undercooked or overcooked sections. Thinner slices will cook faster and create a more tender casserole.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose melting cheeses like sharp cheddar or monterey jack for maximum flavor and creamy texture. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that can impact melting quality.
• Low-Sodium and Dietary Adaptation: Replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce for lower sodium content. For gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour and select gluten-free cream soup. Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for alternative protein options.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg