Looking for a simple, hearty, and delicious meal to feed your family? This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the perfect solution! Packed with layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is comfort food at its finest. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Plus, with a handful of pantry staples, this dish is as budget-friendly as it is satisfying. Keep reading to learn how to make this easy, delicious casserole that everyone will love!
What Is Hamburger Potato Casserole?
A Hamburger Potato Casserole is a layered dish that combines seasoned ground beef with sliced potatoes and a creamy sauce, all baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a hearty, one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry family. The ground beef and potatoes meld together with the creamy sauce to create a comforting dish that’s both filling and flavorful. You can also customize this casserole by adding vegetables, different seasonings, or your favorite cheese for a meal that suits your taste.
Ingredients List for Hamburger Potato Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 4-5 medium potatoes (thinly sliced, about ¼ inch thick)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken or celery)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend of your choice)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for mixing with the breadcrumbs)
Substitutions and Variations
This casserole is highly adaptable. Here are some substitutions and variations to make it your own:
- Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are classic, but you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and extra nutrition.
- Soup: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken, celery, or even cheddar cheese soup for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese works great, but you can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a little spice.
- Vegetables: Add veggies like green beans, peas, carrots, or corn to the casserole for added color and nutrition.
- Topping: For a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle them on top before baking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole step by step:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the beef: Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Stir to combine, and set the beef mixture aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, mix the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream (if using). Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Layer the casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom of the dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes over the sauce, followed by half of the ground beef mixture. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the beef and potatoes. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Optional breadcrumb topping: If you like a crispy topping, mix the breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) with melted butter and sprinkle it evenly over the cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.
How to Cook Hamburger Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap to ensure your Hamburger Potato Casserole comes out perfectly:
- Brown the beef and cook the onions and garlic for added flavor.
- Prepare the creamy sauce by mixing the soup, milk, and sour cream.
- Layer the potatoes, beef, and sauce in a baking dish, then top with cheese.
- Bake until bubbly, and finish by uncovering the casserole for a golden top.
- Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Hamburger Potato Casserole:
- Slicing the potatoes too thick: Be sure to slice the potatoes thinly (about ¼ inch thick) to ensure they cook evenly and are tender by the time the casserole is done.
- Not draining the ground beef: If you don’t drain the fat after browning the ground beef, the casserole can turn out greasy.
- Not covering the casserole: Covering the casserole with foil for the first part of baking helps the potatoes cook through without burning the top.
- Not letting it cool: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving so the layers can set, and it’s easier to cut into neat portions.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty dish, but you can elevate the meal by serving it alongside a few simple sides:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds color and brightness to the casserole.
- Serve with a side salad: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Add roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans for a complete, balanced meal.
How to Serve Hamburger Potato Casserole
This casserole is a filling, one-dish meal, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:
- Salads: Serve with a green salad, coleslaw, or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots, make excellent side dishes.
- Bread: Serve with warm dinner rolls, garlic bread, or biscuits to soak up the creamy sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Potato Casserole
Casseroles may be humble dishes, but you can still make your Hamburger Potato Casserole look great:
- Bake in a nice dish: Use a colorful ceramic or glass baking dish to make the casserole look more inviting when you bring it to the table.
- Top with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley, thyme, or chives on top adds a pop of green and makes the dish look more appetizing.
- Serve in individual portions: For a more polished presentation, scoop individual servings onto plates and garnish with extra cheese or herbs.
Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
To ensure your Hamburger Potato Casserole comes out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Freeze leftovers: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Test the potatoes: To ensure the casserole is fully cooked, poke a fork into the center to check if the potatoes are tender. If not, cover with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Hamburger Potato Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or a busy weeknight.
Q: Can I freeze Hamburger Potato Casserole?
A: Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: What kind of potatoes should I use?
A: Russet potatoes are a great choice for this casserole because they hold up well during baking. Yukon Gold or red potatoes are also good options.
Q: How can I make this dish healthier?
A: To make the casserole lighter, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, light sour cream, and reduced-fat
cheese. You can also add more vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers.
Conclusion
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that’s simple to make and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is the perfect choice. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm, hearty meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare!
PrintEasy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe
This Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole is a hearty and simple dish that layers seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly casserole is creamy, comforting, and sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-5 medium potatoes (thinly sliced)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk.
- In a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, then half of the beef mixture, and a layer of cheese. Repeat layers.
- Pour the soup and milk mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Dot the top with butter and cover with foil.
- Bake for 60 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and potatoes are tender.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a variation, add a layer of vegetables like peas or corn.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
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