When you crave a comforting meal that fills you up and warms your soul, Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect dish. This easy-to-make casserole combines layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that can feed the entire family. With just a handful of ingredients and simple preparation steps, this casserole is the epitome of home-cooked comfort food.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd for dinner, preparing a meal for a potluck, or just looking for a way to bring comfort to your weeknight routine, this casserole has got you covered. It’s a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy soup, and layers of potatoes is a match made in comfort food heaven, and the melted cheese topping adds that irresistible finishing touch.
Why This Recipe Works
This Hamburger Potato Casserole works because of its simplicity and versatility. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes create a perfect base that soaks up all the flavors of the seasoned ground beef and creamy sauce. The richness of the cream of mushroom soup and the addition of milk create a velvety sauce that binds everything together, making each bite a deliciously satisfying experience.
Moreover, the cheese adds a layer of indulgence, while the ground beef brings both protein and flavor. It’s a balanced, one-dish meal that’s filling, hearty, and comforting all at once. The beauty of this casserole lies in its ability to be easily customizable to suit personal tastes—whether you prefer a different type of cheese, want to add some veggies, or spice it up with a bit of heat, you can adjust the recipe to match your cravings.
The casserole can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, which is a huge bonus for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Simply assemble the casserole in the baking dish and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This dish’s long baking time ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, making it just as delicious when reheated.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
To make this delicious Hamburger Potato Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef: This is the main protein in the casserole. Ground beef provides a hearty and flavorful base for the dish. You can opt for lean ground beef if you prefer a healthier option, or use regular beef for a richer taste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the onion and garlic, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Onions bring sweetness and umami to the dish, complementing the savory beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic enhances the overall flavor, giving the casserole a nice, aromatic kick.
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced: Potatoes are the backbone of this casserole, forming the layers of tender, comforting goodness. Yukon gold or russet potatoes work best, as they hold their shape well during baking.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces): This is the base of the creamy sauce. The cream of mushroom soup is rich and creamy, adding both texture and flavor to the casserole.
- 1 cup milk: The milk helps thin out the soup to create a smooth, pourable sauce. It also contributes to the creamy texture of the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the richness of the soup and the beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a little heat and seasoning to the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional): For extra flavor, Italian seasoning blends well with the beef and vegetables in the casserole. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking or skip it altogether.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your choice): The cheese topping adds that irresistible gooeyness that brings the whole casserole together.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish): Parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, making the casserole visually appealing and brightening the rich flavors.
How To Make This Recipe
Making Hamburger Potato Casserole is a straightforward process that doesn’t require much time or effort, yet the result is a delicious and comforting meal. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little bit of olive oil to prevent the casserole from sticking. - Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season the beef with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked. Once done, drain any excess grease and set the beef mixture aside. - Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Italian seasoning (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed. - Layer the Casserole
Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Start by laying a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Next, spoon half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Follow with half of the creamy soup mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the beef layer. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce. Finish with the remaining soup mixture on top. - Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the casserole with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese has melted and turned golden brown. - Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an added burst of color and freshness. Then, slice and serve warm!
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
- Potato Variety: Yukon gold potatoes or russet potatoes are the best for casseroles. Yukon golds are waxy and hold their shape well, while russets are starchy and fluff up nicely. Choose based on your texture preference.
- Ground Beef Substitutes: If you want to lower the fat content or change things up, you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef. You can also use lean ground beef for a slightly healthier alternative.
- Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables to the casserole, like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas. Just make sure to sauté them first before layering them in.
- Make Ahead: This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can assemble it the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it the next day.
- Leftovers: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and bake it in the oven until fully heated through.
How to Serve
This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a complete meal on its own, so it doesn’t require many side dishes. However, if you want to balance the richness, consider pairing it with a light, fresh salad like a garden salad or coleslaw to add some freshness and crunch. A simple green vegetable, such as steamed broccoli or green beans, would also complement the dish nicely.
Serving Suggestions
- Bread: Serve the casserole with some warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Dip: A side of ranch dressing or even ketchup would work as a fun dip to serve alongside.
- Dessert: For a complete meal, finish off with a light fruit salad or a slice of apple pie for dessert.
Time
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Conclusion
This Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food to enjoy on a cozy evening at home. It combines the hearty flavors of beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese, creating a dish that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s a meal that can easily be adapted to your tastes and preferences. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.