Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Weeknights

Crafting a hearty hamburger potato casserole might just solve your weeknight dinner dilemma with minimal effort.

Comfort arrives in layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese.

Families crave these one-dish meals that simplify meal preparation.

Potatoes absorb the rich, meaty flavors while creating a satisfying texture.

Simple ingredients combine to produce an incredibly delicious main course that feels like a warm hug.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together with standard pantry staples.

You will devour every single bite of this classic, nostalgic dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Comfort Dish

• Ground Beef: Provides the hearty and savory base of the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: Offer a rich and aromatic flavor foundation to the dish.
• Potatoes: Create a comforting and substantial layered base for the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Serves as a creamy binding sauce that adds moisture and depth.
• Milk: Helps to thin the soup and create a smooth consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty topping that enhances the overall flavor.

• Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Provide essential seasoning to balance and elevate the dish's taste profile.

• Butter or Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole does not stick to the baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps to cover and protect the casserole during initial baking.

Step-by-Step Hamburger Potato Casserole Prep

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it develops a rich, golden color.

Drain away any excess fat and set meat aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, soften onions and garlic by cooking them until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Prepare Potato Layers

Slice potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure consistent cooking and a beautiful, uniform texture throughout the casserole.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Paprika
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Build First Potato Foundation

Spread the first half of potato slices across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even base layer.

Step 6: Add Meat and Vegetable Layer

Distribute the cooked ground beef evenly over the potato base, then sprinkle the sautéed onions and garlic on top.

Step 7: First Sauce Pour

Drizzle half of the creamy sauce mixture over the meat and vegetable layer, ensuring good coverage.

Step 8: Create Top Potato Layer

Arrange the remaining potato slices across the top of the casserole.

Step 9: Final Sauce Coverage

Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top potato layer, making sure all slices are well-coated.

Step 10: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for one hour.

Step 11: Cheese Topping Finale

Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, and return to the oven uncovered.

Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld and settle.

Pro Tips for a Flavorful and Creamy Casserole

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create even potato slices, ensuring consistent cooking and a professional-looking casserole.
• Remove as much fat as possible from ground beef to prevent a greasy texture and maintain a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Opt for sharp cheddar to enhance flavor, or experiment with smoked gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Blot potato slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping the casserole achieve a perfect creamy consistency without becoming watery.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of dried herbs like rosemary to elevate the overall taste profile of the casserole.

Variations to Tailor to Your Taste

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower slices or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the casserole's creamy texture.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, add oregano instead of thyme, and mix in diced bell peppers for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Family Meals

• Cozy Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete one-dish meal that'll satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
• Comfort Side Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich, creamy textures and add fresh nutrition.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform leftovers into a delightful morning meal by topping with a sunny-side-up egg for extra protein and flavor.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the casserole's savory profile with a light red wine like pinot noir or a cold, refreshing beer to cut through the richness.

Storing and Reheating Hamburger Potato Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Is this hamburger potato casserole a complete meal?

Yes, it combines protein from ground beef, carbohydrates from potatoes, and dairy from cheese, making it a hearty and satisfying one-dish meal that covers multiple food groups.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work great in this recipe, allowing you to customize the protein base to your preference.

• How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

Slice potatoes uniformly thin, around 1/4 inch thick, and make sure they’re spread in an even layer. This helps them cook consistently and prevents some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.

Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole to Warm Your Soul

• Savor Comfort: Enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.
• Create Layers of Flavor: Blend ground beef, potatoes, and creamy soup into a delicious one-dish wonder that combines multiple ingredients seamlessly.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Whip up a crowd-favorite recipe that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum satisfaction for all ages, making mealtime a breeze.
• Versatile Weeknight Solution: Transform simple ingredients into a filling casserole that works perfectly for busy families, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger potato casserole delivers comfort on a plate with layers of ground beef, potatoes, and creamy cheese. Simple ingredients combine for a satisfying meal that families will eagerly devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 5 to 6 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (236 milliliters) milk (whole, 2%, or milk alternative)
• 1 cup (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Preparation:

• Butter or cooking spray for greasing the dish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, carefully draining any accumulated fat to maintain a lean texture.
3. In the same skillet, gently sauté the onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavors.
4. Slice potatoes uniformly thin to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
5. Create a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and seasonings until smooth and well-combined.
6. Create the first foundation layer by arranging half the potato slices across the entire bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Distribute the cooked ground beef evenly over the potato base, followed by a layer of the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
8. Drizzle approximately half of the prepared soup mixture across the meat and potato layers, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
9. Complete the casserole by layering the remaining potato slices and pouring the rest of the soup mixture on top.
10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and potatoes to soften.
11. Uncover the casserole, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously, and return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and develops a golden-brown crust.
12. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the dish soggy and heavy.
• Use low-fat alternatives like ground turkey or lean beef for a healthier version of this comfort food classic.
• Consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor complexity without changing the dish’s core character.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg