Hamburger Potato Casserole is a recipe I learned from my grandmother, who used to make it every spring when the potatoes were fresh and the evenings still held a chill. It’s a crowd-pleaser, combining tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheese into a golden-baked delight. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping a weeknight dinner with leftovers to spare, this dish delivers comfort with every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Potato Casserole
Versatile: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Seasonal Favorite: Ideal for spring, especially when new potatoes are in season.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare and refrigerate the casserole before baking to save time.
Kid-Approved: Simple, comforting flavors make it a favorite with the little ones.
Ingredients
For this 6-serving casserole, you’ll need:
Cooking spray or butter (to grease the dish)
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Peel and thinly slice your potatoes (aim for 1/8 inch thickness).
- Dice the onion and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned and the onions are tender.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer half the potato slices in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Top with half the cooked beef mixture.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, springtime touch.
For expert tips on perfecting casseroles, take a look at this Chicken Divan recipe.
Creative Variations to Try
- Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrients.
- Swap the protein with turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground beef.
- Make it spicy with chili powder or jalapeños.
- Use different cheeses such as Swiss, pepper jack, or Gouda.
If you love cheesy bakes, check out these 17 Mexican-Inspired Casseroles for Family-Pleasing Dinners for different takes on classic dishes.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or dinner rolls. It also pairs well with a glass of red wine or iced tea for a complete meal. Looking for more side dish ideas? Our 23 Easy Ground Beef Dinners That Are Perfect for Weeknights can help you round out your meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave in short intervals.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Casserole
- Parboil potatoes for faster baking.
- Shred cheese yourself for better melting quality.
- Let it rest before serving to firm up the layers.
To ensure you don’t end up asking Why is my breakfast casserole soggy?, slice your potatoes evenly and don’t skimp on the bake time. Letting the casserole rest before serving also helps set those delicious layers.
Related Recipes to Try
- For a creamy chicken version, try the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.
- Love beef and potatoes? You’ll adore the Cowboy Casserole.
- Want a different protein? This slow cooker scalloped potatoes and ham is a hit.
- Explore more meat-potato combos like Libby’s Corned Beef Hash.
- For rustic, wild flavors, try the deer pot roast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute can be used in place of ground beef. Just make sure to season it well.
What kind of potatoes are best for this casserole?
Russet potatoes work great because they hold their shape and become tender without falling apart. Yukon Golds are another good option for a buttery texture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it (unbaked). When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own using gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the fully cooked casserole. Let it cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Print
Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This comforting Hamburger Potato Casserole layers juicy beef, tender potatoes, melty cheddar, and creamy mushroom soup for a hearty dinner win!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 3 cups potatoes (thinly sliced (3–4 medium))
- 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup (1 can)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- parsley (optional, chopped for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion until browned. Drain fat and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup with milk in a bowl until smooth.
- Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish. Top with half the beef, half the soup mixture, and half the cheese. Repeat layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 15–20 minutes more until potatoes are tender and top is golden.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
To make it ahead, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion: A Classic with a Fresh Twist
There’s nothing quite like a bubbling, golden-topped casserole to bring family and friends together. This Hamburger Potato Casserole is rich in tradition, simple to prepare, and endlessly customizable. With each forkful, you get creamy potatoes, juicy beef, and gooey cheese—all the comforting flavors of a home-cooked meal.
Whether you’re making it for a spring potluck or prepping ahead for a busy week, this dish has your back. Make it once, and you’ll be coming back for more. And don’t forget to pass it on it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite.
Now that you’re equipped with everything you need to know, it’s time to make your own hamburger potato casserole. Enjoy your cooking!
