If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. With layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a golden blanket of melted cheddar cheese, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and heartiness that’s guaranteed to bring smiles around your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish is simple yet incredibly flavorful, showcasing how a handful of humble ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is straightforward but essential, working in harmony to create a dish bursting with flavor and the perfect texture. Each component plays its role — from the creamy soup base that ties everything together to the sharp cheddar that adds wonderful richness and the seasonings that boost the savory notes.
- 1 lb ground beef: Use fresh, lean ground beef for a juicy, flavorful base that avoids excess grease.
- 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes: Thin slices ensure even cooking and a tender bite throughout the casserole.
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup: Adds a luscious creaminess that infuses the entire dish with savory goodness.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens the soup to create the perfect smooth sauce consistency.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, providing a rich, cheesy topping.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the beef’s flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt & pepper: Essential to bring out all the flavors and balance the dish’s taste.
How to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking your ground beef until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Season it with salt, pepper, and that teaspoon of onion powder to build a deep, savory flavor foundation. Drain any excess fat for a leaner casserole.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This mixture will turn into a luscious coating that keeps the potatoes tender and flavorful as they bake.
Step 3: Layering the Casserole
In a greased baking dish, start with a layer of the thinly sliced potatoes. Next, sprinkle half of the cooked ground beef evenly over the potatoes, and then pour half of the creamy soup mixture on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce, creating a beautiful stacked effect that ensures every bite has a bit of everything.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Bake
Top your layered casserole with the full cup of shredded cheddar cheese, covering each slice with a golden crown of melted goodness. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the cheese to bubble and brown while the potatoes become tender and melt-in-your-mouth perfect.
How to Serve Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh pop of color and texture, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top right before serving. This brightens the rich casserole and adds a lovely herbal note. You might also like to add a dollop of sour cream on the side for extra creaminess.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp garden salad or steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans. The freshness of these sides balances the rich flavors and makes for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, consider serving the Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe in small individual ramekins or cast iron skillets for charming personal portions. Sprinkle some extra cheese or paprika on top for a colorful finish. You can also layer in additional veggies such as peas or carrots for an extra nutritional boost and vibrant appearance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day. Just be sure to cool the casserole completely before sealing it.
Freezing
This Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake yet. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed until bubbly and tender.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can remove the foil during the last few minutes to re-crisp the cheesy topping. Microwave reheating works too when you’re short on time, but the oven method preserves the lovely texture best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of mushroom?
Absolutely! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be tasty substitutes, adding a slightly different flavor profile but still keeping the casserole creamy and delicious.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
It’s up to you! Leaving the skins on adds extra texture and nutrients, but peeling them results in a smoother, more traditional casserole bite.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Carrots, peas, or green beans are excellent additions to bulk up the casserole with color and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust cooking time if you add larger chunks or tougher veggies.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be. Most canned cream of mushroom soups contain gluten, so check labels or use a gluten-free version to keep this casserole safe for gluten-sensitive folks.
What cheese works best for topping?
Cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, but you can also experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a different cheesy experience.
Final Thoughts
There is just something incredibly comforting about this Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s simple, hearty, and full of those timeless flavors that warm both the belly and the soul. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy weeknight or bringing a dish to share, this casserole is sure to become a cherished favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor every cheesy, creamy, delicious bite!
Print
Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and comforting Hamburger Potato Casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. This baked casserole is simple to prepare and perfect for family dinners, delivering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables
- 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes
Sauce
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with the milk, stirring until smooth to create a creamy sauce.
- Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, start by layering a portion of the thinly sliced potatoes. Then add a layer of the seasoned ground beef followed by a layer of the creamy sauce mixture. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of potatoes.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer to add a rich, melty finish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and make it easier to dish out.
Notes
- Slice potatoes thinly for even cooking and tender texture.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition and variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
