If you’re craving something comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to throw together, this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines savory ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese all united by a creamy mushroom sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or just want a fuss-free dinner with big flavor, this casserole hits every mark with its straightforward ingredients and delicious layers that everyone will beg you to make again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are everyday kitchen staples that come together effortlessly to create a dish bursting with hearty, comforting flavors. Each one plays a vital role—from the tender potatoes providing body and texture, to the savory ground beef that fills in with protein and richness, topped off with creamy soup and sharp cheddar cheese to make this casserole memorable.
- 1 pound ground beef: Opt for lean beef to keep the casserole from becoming greasy while delivering flavorful protein.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: This adds a silky, creamy texture and a subtle mushroom earthiness that brings the whole dish together.
- ¾ cup milk: Adds smoothness and helps create a luscious sauce to coat every slice of potato.
- ½ cup chopped onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that enhances the savoriness of the beef and overall casserole.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and bring out the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
- 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes: Use a mandoline slicer if you have one for quick, even slices that cook thoroughly and layer nicely.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, creamy finish with a golden-brown, gooey top layer that everyone loves.
How to Make Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onions
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains. Add the chopped onions about halfway through cooking so they soften and become fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This forms the savory meat base of your casserole.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup with the ¾ cup of milk, stirring until smooth and creamy. This mixture acts as the glue that holds your casserole together and ensures every bite is rich and flavorful without being heavy.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Meat
Grease a casserole dish lightly, then arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom. Spoon half of the beef and onion mixture over the potatoes, then drizzle with half of your creamy mushroom sauce. Repeat these layers once more, ending with a layer of potatoes and the remaining sauce to lock in moisture.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the entire top with shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and turn a gorgeous golden brown.
How to Serve Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra touch of freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream on the side also adds a wonderful creamy contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli helps balance the richness with some lightness and crunch. You can also serve crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style gathering, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish, inviting everyone to dig in. Alternatively, spoon portions into individual ramekins for a charming single-serve presentation perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a friendly potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3-4 days, making it a perfect next-day meal that tastes even better as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Wrap it securely with foil or plastic wrap, and place it in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power in short intervals, stirring or rotating to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes for this casserole?
Fresh thinly sliced potatoes work best for texture and flavor, but if you use frozen sliced potatoes, make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before layering to avoid a watery casserole.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute, and use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup to keep it deliciously meat-free.
What type of cheese works best besides cheddar?
While sharp cheddar is classic, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for different gooey textures and flavor profiles.
Can I prepare the casserole earlier in the day and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in your dish, cover it, and refrigerate for several hours. Just add a bit more baking time if baking from cold to ensure the potatoes cook through.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Check that the cream of mushroom soup you use is gluten-free or swap it with a homemade gluten-free white sauce. This way, the casserole stays accessible to those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe that makes it a favorite for good reason. With simple ingredients, an easy preparation process, and hearty flavors, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a warm, satisfying meal on the table fast. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal featuring layers of tender sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and melty cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for a family dinner, simple to prepare, and delivers rich flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (preferably using a mandoline slicer)
Sauce and Dairy
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary, then season with salt and pepper.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This will create a creamy sauce that binds the casserole together.
- Assemble Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly. Top with the cooked ground beef and onion mixture, then pour half of the soup and milk sauce over the layers. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing and enhanced flavors.
Notes
- Using a mandoline slicer for the potatoes ensures even cooking.
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce grease and keep flavors clean.
- Feel free to substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for variation.
- If you prefer, you can use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure potatoes are thinly sliced for proper cooking time.
