Hearty Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delightful hamburger potato casserole promises comfort and satisfaction for anyone craving a hearty meal.

Layers of ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering combination that feels like a warm hug.

Families adore this simple yet delicious dish that comes together without complicated techniques.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you toss these ingredients into a single baking dish.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this casserole assembles with minimal prep work.

Each bite delivers rich flavors that blend perfectly between tender potatoes and seasoned meat.

Let this recipe become your new go-to dinner solution that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Great Side Companions for This Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad on the side for added freshness.
• Potluck Party Showstopper: Bring this dish to gatherings where comfort food reigns supreme, guaranteed to impress friends and family with its rich, satisfying layers.
• Weeknight Meal Hack: Pair with steamed vegetables or quick roasted broccoli to boost nutrition and create a balanced plate that everyone will love.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Reheat individual portions the next day for a quick lunch, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten up the flavors.

How to Keep Your Casserole Ready to Reheat

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it covered to preserve moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2-3 months.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats well and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using low-fat cheese, reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup, and lean ground meat to create a lighter version of the casserole.

• What side dishes work best with this casserole?

Green salad, steamed vegetables, or a simple coleslaw complement this hearty casserole perfectly.

Hamburger Potato Casserole: Classic Reimagined

• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers hearty, satisfying flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals with minimal kitchen effort.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and pantry staples, making it perfect for families watching their grocery spending.
• Quick Prep Magic: Requires simple layering technique and straightforward cooking steps, allowing even beginner cooks to create a delicious dinner without stress.
• Family Dinner Winner: Packed with protein and filling ingredients that appeal to both adults and kids, creating a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will enjoy.

Essential Items for Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful protein that forms the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
• Potatoes: Sliced potatoes that provide a satisfying and filling foundation for the dish.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy sauce that adds moisture and depth of flavor to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, gooey topping that enhances the overall taste.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: A classic blend of spices that brings out the savory notes of the ground beef.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and ground beef, adding a subtle richness to the dish.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic base for the ground beef mixture.
• Milk: Helps to thin and blend the cream of mushroom soup for a smooth sauce.

Step-By-Step Hamburger Potato Casserole Journey

Step 1: Prepare Kitchen Equipment

Grab a large skillet, 9×13-inch baking dish, mixing bowl, and aluminum foil. Grease the baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

• Diced onions
• Ground beef

Cook until the beef turns completely brown and crumbles easily.

Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Season the Beef

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 4: Create Creamy Soup Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Build First Layer

• Sliced potatoes
• Cooked beef mixture
• Soup mixture
• Shredded cheese

Step 6: Add Second Layer

Repeat the layering process with remaining ingredients, creating identical layers as in Step 5.

Step 7: Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Finish Baking

Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. Look for golden, bubbly cheese and tender potatoes.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Kitchen Shortcut for Creamy Potatoes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp texture.
• Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Add extra flavor by mixing different cheese types like cheddar and monterey jack for depth.
• For a healthier version, substitute cream of mushroom soup with low-fat Greek yogurt and use lean ground beef.
• Experiment with additional seasonings like smoked paprika or dried herbs to elevate the casserole's taste profile.

Mix-In Suggestions for Extra Flavor

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute sliced potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carbohydrate alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Best Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger potato casserole brings comforting midwestern flavors to dinner tables across America. Families will appreciate this simple, satisfying one-dish meal packed with ground beef, potatoes, and creamy cheese sauce that you can enjoy any night of the week.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (453.6 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 4 cups (480 grams) potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, diced

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and diced onions over medium heat, thoroughly breaking down the meat and cooking until no pink remains.
3. Drain excess grease from the beef mixture, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
4. Whisk cream of mushroom soup and milk in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
5. Prepare a greased 9×13-inch baking dish by creating the first layer with half of the sliced potatoes, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
6. Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture over the potato layer, ensuring uniform coverage.
7. Pour half of the soup and milk mixture across the beef, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
8. Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese, creating a complete casserole structure.
9. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, which helps trap moisture and cook potatoes thoroughly.
10. Bake for 30 minutes while covered, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until potatoes become tender and cheese turns golden and bubbly.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the layers and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Optimize potato slicing by using a mandoline for consistent, thin cuts that cook evenly.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version suitable for diverse dietary needs.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef seasoning for a more complex taste profile.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and monitoring salt quantities during preparation.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 475 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg