If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this Hamburger and Potato Casserole is the perfect recipe for you! Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese create a rich and satisfying casserole that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s budget-friendly and great for meal prep. Keep reading for all the details on how to create this delicious and hearty dish. Trust me—you won’t want to miss out!
What is Hamburger and Potato Casserole?
Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a classic baked dish that combines seasoned ground beef with sliced potatoes, onions, and cheese, all layered together and cooked to perfection. The casserole is typically baked in the oven until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. It's a simple, one-pan dish that is great for feeding a family or for meal prepping during the week. This recipe is adaptable and can be customized with different seasonings, vegetables, and cheeses to suit your tastes.
Ingredients List for Hamburger and Potato Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make this delicious Hamburger and Potato Casserole:
Main Ingredients:
- Ground Beef – 1 lb of lean ground beef. You can use regular ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- Potatoes – 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, thinly sliced. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best.
- Onion – 1 medium onion, thinly sliced to add flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, or you can mix and match with other cheeses like mozzarella or Colby Jack.
- Butter – 2 tablespoons of butter, for sautéing and adding richness.
- Flour – 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to help thicken the casserole.
- Milk – 2 cups of milk to create the creamy sauce that ties the casserole together.
- Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon for seasoning.
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon for added flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste.
Optional Ingredients:
- Sour Cream – ½ cup for a creamy texture.
- Mushrooms – Sliced mushrooms (about 1 cup) for added earthiness.
- Green Beans or Peas – You can add 1 cup of green beans or peas for extra vegetables.
- Bacon Bits – For a smoky, crispy topping.
Substitutions and Variations
This Hamburger and Potato Casserole recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to make it your own! Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Ground Beef Alternatives – Swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Cheese – Use any cheese you like! Cheddar is classic, but you can try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for a twist.
- Vegetables – Add extra vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach to increase the nutritional value.
- Creamier Casserole – Add sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream to the sauce for an extra rich and creamy texture.
- Spicy Kick – Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy version. You could even mix in chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Crunchy Topping – For a crispy finish, top the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips before baking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the simple steps to make this Hamburger and Potato Casserole:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by peeling and slicing the potatoes into thin, even slices (about ¼ inch thick). Slice the onion thinly as well. Shred the cheddar cheese if it’s not pre-shredded. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. If you're adding sour cream for extra creaminess, stir it in now.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
In your greased baking dish, start by laying down a layer of potato slices, overlapping slightly. Top with a layer of ground beef, followed by sliced onions. Sprinkle a bit of cheese on top. Repeat these layers until you've used all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of potatoes. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top, making sure it seeps into the layers. Finally, top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly. If you like a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 3-5 minutes.
How to Cook Hamburger and Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the ingredients by slicing the potatoes, onions, and shredding the cheese.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet with seasonings and set aside.
- Make the sauce using flour, milk, and butter, stirring until thickened.
- Layer the ingredients in a baking dish: potatoes, ground beef, onions, and cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and tender.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Slicing the potatoes too thick – Thin, even slices are key to ensuring the potatoes cook through properly. If they’re too thick, they may still be hard when the rest of the casserole is done.
- Not draining the beef – Be sure to drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Under-seasoning – Don’t forget to season the meat and sauce well. Potatoes can be bland without proper seasoning, so be generous with salt, pepper, and spices.
- Skipping the sauce – The creamy sauce ties everything together and keeps the casserole from being dry. Don’t skip it!
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you present and serve your Hamburger and Potato Casserole can make it even more appealing. Here are some tips for serving this comforting dish:
How to Serve Hamburger and Potato Casserole
Serve this casserole warm, straight from the oven. It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition. A slice of garlic bread also makes a great accompaniment!
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger and Potato Casserole
- Family-Style: Serve directly from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style meal. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Individual Servings: Plate the casserole in neat squares, and drizzle a little extra sauce on top for a refined presentation.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.
Hamburger and Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prepare in Advance – Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh the next day for an easy, make-ahead dinner.
- Double the Recipe – This casserole is easy to double for a crowd. Use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers – This dish tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer-Friendly – You can freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned potatoes in a pinch. Just drain them well and adjust the baking time, as they’ll cook faster than fresh potatoes.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.
How long does Hamburger and Potato Casserole last in the fridge?
This casserole will last for up to 4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, peas, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
What’s the best way to reheat the casserole?
Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture may be softer.
Conclusion
This Hamburger and Potato Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a hungry family. The combination of flavorful ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese makes it an instant favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this casserole is sure to satisfy. Try it out and enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal that’s as comforting as it is tasty!
PrintHamburger And Potato Casserole Recipe
This Hamburger and Potato Casserole recipe is a classic, hearty dish layered with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food for a busy weeknight or potluck, satisfying and easy to prepare. Great for a family-friendly dinner!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions until soft. Add ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk, stirring until smooth.
- Layer half the sliced potatoes in a greased casserole dish, followed by half the cooked beef mixture.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the layers and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
- Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add frozen peas or corn between the layers for extra veggies.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different flavor.
- Slice potatoes thinly for even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
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